In a tragic incident, four Emirati soldiers and a Bahraini officer lost their lives in an attack while conducting a training mission for the Somali national army, as announced by the United Arab Emirates. The soldiers were targeted in what the UAE’s defence ministry termed a “terrorist act” while carrying out their duties to train and qualify the Somali Armed Forces.
The defense ministry’s statement, released on Saturday, revealed that three Emirati soldiers and a Bahraini officer were among the casualties. Unfortunately, a fourth Emirati soldier, previously injured in the attack, succumbed to injuries upon arrival in the UAE on Sunday, increasing the overall death toll.
The remains of the fallen soldiers were solemnly received in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, via military aircraft. WAM, the official news agency, shared footage of three coffins draped in Emirati flags being carried across the tarmac during a military ceremony.
While expressing grief over the incident, the UAE affirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Somali government in investigating the “sinful terrorist act.” A Somali military source informed AFP that the assailant was a member of the Somali army who opened fire inside a training camp in the capital, Mogadishu, causing casualties among soldiers, including those from the UAE.
The attack was claimed by Al-Shabaab, a militant group aligned with Al-Qaeda, known for its 15-year insurgency against Somalia’s central government and foreign supporters. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended condolences to the UAE, condemning the “heinous act” and initiating an urgent investigation.
The UAE and Somalia had previously entered into a military and security cooperation agreement in January 2023. This tragic incident underscores the challenges faced by nations involved in assisting Somalia in rebuilding its military capabilities.
