The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has released a statement regarding the Friday early morning attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) some 120km Southwest region of Mogadishu.

“At around 5am on Friday, May 26, 2023, ATMIS Forward Operating Base in Buulo Mareer, approximately 120km Southwest of Mogadishu in Lower Shabelle region was attacked by the Al Shabaab militants using Vehicle Borne Improvised Devices and Suicide bombers. Fighting between the terrorists and ATMIS soldiers ensued,” reads the statement.

According to the statement, reinforcements from ATMIS’ Aviation Unit and allies managed to destroy weapons in possession of the withdrawing Al Shabaab militants.

“ATMIS would like to assure the public and all the entities in the country that everything is being done to bring the situation under control,” the statement reads.

Col. Deo Akiiki, the UPDF deputy spokesperson confirmed the incident and pledged to issue a detailed statement later.

“I can confirm that the militants attacked our base in Mulo Marer today, Friday, early morning, but we are still waiting for the detailed report from ATMIS in Mogadishu,” Col. Akiiki said.

Other sources said the attack began shortly after morning prayers. It started with a large explosion, believed to be an explosives-laden vehicle.

Residents reported that after the big explosion, two more explosions occurred in the camp, before a fight started between the Ugandan troops and the attackers.

In 2018, the same military base was attacked by Al Shabaab militants, killing some 17 soldiers.