Burundi confirms death of 12 soldiers in Somalia

Ciidamada Burundi ee jooga Soomaaliya

At least twelve Burundi soldiers working under the framework of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have been killed and six others injured in an al-Shabaab attack outside Somali capital.

According Burundian officials who spoke to AP agency news, the soldiers were in an ambush on AMISOM convoy travelling in Middle Shabelle region.

“Yes it’s true. Unfortunately 12 of our soldiers were killed and six others injured yesterday (Saturday) by Shabaab militants who ambushed them as they were returning from a security mission in a convoy going from Jowhar to Mogadishu,” the Burundian official said on condition of anonymity.

In a statement posted on its affiliate online media, al-shabaab claimed the responsibility saying its fighters killed over 14 Burundian soldiers during an ambush on AMISOM convoy traveling Bal’ad-Jowhar highway.

The attack comes two months since the last attack on Burundi soldiers which claimed lives of six soldiers and several others.

According to Colonel Floribert Biyereke, spokesman of the Burundian army, the attack took place in Middle Shabelle region.

The Burundi contingent is the second largest within the AMISOM with 5,432 troops, after Uganda which has more than 6,000 troops.

Burundi has been active in the African Union Peacekeeping Force in Somalia since 2007.