EVENT SUMMARY
Halane military camp, the largest AU military base located in the Somali’s capital Mogadishu came under mortar shells from Al Qaeda- affiliated Al-Shabaab group on Thursday 11th February 2016.
Halane Au base is located in most secure area in Mogadishu and also hosts United Nations offices among other foreign embassies. This makes it prime target by Al-Shabaab terrorists.
According to security officials the shell fires hit open grounds inside the military base. Security forces immediately responded in formation and repulsed the militants. Several militants were reportedly killed while some fled after being overwhelmed by AU security forces.
Officials confirmed AMISOM regained control of the Halane base camp and restored normalcy. All African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) personnel in the base camp are safe and secure.
The attack inside an AU military base perceived to be located in most secure area in Mogadishu underlines security challenges facing Somali government and African Union troops battling Al-Shabaab in effort to secure the war-torn nation.
Residents who reside close Mogadishu airport gave corresponding reports saying sounds of blasts as mortars struck the African Union base were heard.
The attack on Halane AU military base comes few days after a botched suicide bombing on a Daallo commercial airline which was headed for Djibouti.
AMISOM has emphasized that the goal to rid Somalia of terrorists will continue to be pursued relentlessly and that attacks such as these only reinforce the determination of the AU forces , Somali government as well the peace loving people of Somalia to working together until the enemy is defeated.
