UPDF Base Attack: Al-Shabab Claims 137 Soldiers Killed, Others Captured

In a shocking and tragic incident, Al-Shabab attacked  Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF )forward operating base in Bulo Marer, located 120 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu in a Friday early morning targeted  attack.

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 Al-Shabab, a militant group active in Somalia, claimed responsibility for the assault in a statement, citing suicide bomb attacks and the alleged killing of 137 Ugandan soldiers, while others were reportedly captured as prisoners of war. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the incident, shedding light on the details surrounding the attack and its immediate aftermath.

However, these claims have not yet been independently verified by anyone.

In the first detailed statement about the incident, president Museveni who is also the chief in command for UPDF said there was panic among the soldiers when the attack happened.

“The panic, it seems, was totally unnecessary because, in fact, both the anti-tank ditch and our soldiers had destroyed the three vehicles of explosives outside the FOB. The suicide bombers or whatever were forced to blow themselves up before they gained entry into the base.” He said.

He explained that Ugandan unmanned aerial vehicles also known as drones were watching the whole scenarios from the sky and were directing fire.

“Many of the soldiers withdrew to the next FOB, nine kilometres away. The terrorists were many, about 800 or so according to the UAVs.”

The president said this was a missed opportunity for the UPDF to annihilate the insurgents but noted that nonetheless, they will regret their actions.

“The operations are continuing and they will regret their actions. Condolences to the country and the families of those who died.” He added.

Museveni however, said the Chief of Defence Forces has set up a board of inquiry to investigate the matter and that at a later time will come up with the details of the casualties.

“ This unfortunate incident should be used to remind all those concerned, that operations in Somalia and other theatres, are combat missions and not welfare missions where you can access UN allowances.It is criminal for anybody involved, to send into such a theatre soldiers who are either not suited for that mission or not properly prepared for it.”