The United Nations has condemned Friday’s attack on Kenya Defence Forces troops in an African Union Mission (Amisom) base in Somalia.

The UN Security Council affirmed their support to reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and armed opposition groups in Somalia, urging more efforts to cut off finances for the terrorist group.

“The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on 15 January 2016 perpetrated by Al-Shabaab in El-Ade, Somalia, which has resulted in a number of deaths and injuries,” it said in a statement.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the attack, commending the efforts of the Amisom troops working for peace in Somalia.

“He affirms that this attack will not diminish the resolve of the United Nations to work hand in hand with the African Union and AMISOM to support the people and Government of Somalia,” said a statement issued by his spokesman.

The Security Council members underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to justice and hold accountable those responsible for the attack. They urged all states to cooperate with relevant authorities in that regard.

The 15-member body paid tribute to all international actors working to bring peace and stability in Somalia.

FAST RESPONSE

While also condemning the attacks, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira also commended the fast response by its troops.

“Attacks such as this further demonstrate the vile nature of Al-Shabaab, whose sole purpose is to spread terror and continue the destabilisation of Somalia.

“Our resolve can only be rejuvenated, to fight on until Somalia is freed of all elements of terror,” he said.

On Friday morning, Al-Shabaab militants attacked an Amisom camp in El-Adde, in Gedo Somalia,killing an unknown number of KDF soldiers.

The Kenyan military confirmed the deaths but did not give the number of those killed in combat, saying efforts to “consolidate” returns from the battlefield were still ongoing.

Some media reports, quoting Al-Shabaab forces, said that 60 Kenyan soldiers were killed, while other sources indicated a higher death toll.

Other unconfirmed reports indicated that a number of KDF personnel who survived the ambush could have been taken as Prisoners of War (POWs).

Source:Daily Nation