By Judith Atim
12 UPDF soldiers have been confirmed dead following an attack by Alshabab militants on Sunday evening while seven others have sustained injuries.
According to the UPDF Spokesperson Brigadier Richard Karemire, the dead and those injured have been evacuated to Mogadishu Level II Hospital for further management and treatment.
The army says the joint SNA/AMISOM UPDF patrol under 7th Battalion of Battle group twenty two was ambushed by Alshabaab terrorists, in Lower Shabelle region about 140Kms South West of Mogadishu.
The troops were conducting a regular patrol to secure the Mogadishu Barawe Main Supply Route (MSR) which still harbours pockets of Alshabaab insurgents.
Meanwhile, The UPDF Contingent commander Brig Kayanja Muhanga, is on ground conducting counter operations, while The UPDF office of Chief of Personnel and Administration is contacting the next of kin of the deceased and injured to inform them of the developments.
The army also says arrangements are being made to transport the deceased to their homes of origin for burial.
Meanwhile, a board of inquiry is being constituted to establish circumstances leading to the fateful incident. The same board of inquiry will help in expediting the compensation process by the African Union in respect of the deceased.
