The Al-Shabab has been confirmed to have attacked the UPDF camp in Somalia. The attack is described  as “the worst in 16 year UPDF history in Somalia”. The UPDF base in Somalia’s strategic Bulo Marer town attack happened on Friday when the Al-shabab overran the camp causing deaths, injuries and some prisoners of war.

“Condolences to the country and the families of those who died. This unfortunate incident should be used to remind all those concerned, that operations in Somalia and other theatres, are combat missions and not welfare missions where you can access UN allowances,” Museveni said in a statement issued on his Twitter page.

The Alshabab has made a statement claiming that it had a successful attack on the UPDF camp and killed at least 137 soldiers and captured others.

The Commander in chief of the UPDF- Gen. Museveni confirmed the attack but didn’t give numbers of the fatalities or those injured. Phone calls from home are getting louder with demands on the figures of the prisoners of war, fatalities and injured

It is now more than 72 hours since the occurrence yet not formal report of the affected has been produced by the UPDF,or ATMIS.

President Museveni says investigations are on going and a full report will be out soon to fully understand what happened. The president wonders why the forces panicked knowing everything was under control as the UAVs watched everything in the air and were directing the fire.

“Many of the soldiers withdrew to the next FOB, nine kilometers away. The terrorists were many, about 800 or so according to the UAVs. Hence, it was a missed opportunity, to annihilate them. The operations are continuing and they will regret their actions,” he said.

courtesy photo.