President Yoweri Museveni together with the UPDF spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire have confirmed that the number of UPDF soldiers killed in an Al-shabab attack on Easter Sunday has increased to 8.
Initially, UPDF spokesperson insisted only 4 soldiers had died, while six others sustained minor injuries.
However this morning, the president and commander in chief of armed forces shocked many when he was the first to reveal in a tweet, that 8 soldiers had died.
“On Easter Sunday our soldiers in Somalia heroically gave serious blows to Al-shabab, killing 36 of them and destroying 6 vehicles full of explosives. This is because they were alert. Unfortunately, two vehicles of the enemy entered one of the three sites attacked. One vehicle was detonated and killed eight of our soldiers. May their souls rest in eternal peace. I extend condolences to their families” the president wrote.
He added that, “it is gratifying however that the bold but adventurous strategy of Al-shabab failed. With constant vigilance, victory is assured. I congratulate our soldiers for the good work they did, the death of eight of our soldiers notwithstanding.”
On Sunday morning, UPDF under AMISOM killed 30 Al-shabab terrorists that attempted to attack AMISOM Forward Operating Bases at Quoroyole, Buoolomere and Golwen in Lower Shabelle Region of Somalia.
According to Brig. Karemire, eight of their vehicles that included two Vehicle Born Improvised explosives were destroyed. The number of Al-shabab deaths in the tack has also since increased to 36 as reported by the president this morning.
Despite the deaths, Brig. Karemire insists, UPDF will remain in Somalia until their mission is finished.
When asked to give us details of the 8 fallen soldiers, Brig. Karemire said; “details are only given to their families.”
