MOGADISHU, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) confirmed Monday that 12 troops were killed and seven others injured during an ambush on its convoy in southern Somalia on Sunday.
The insurgents ambushed the AMISOM convoy between Golweyn and Buulo in Lower Shabelle, sparking heavy fighting.
The AU mission later denied the killing on Sunday evening but confirmed the attack after their convoy hit an improvised explosive device. Amisom spokesman Joe Kibe had said only two soldiers were injured while the rest were safe.
"The troops were ambushed during a regular patrol to secure the Mogadishu-Barawe Main Supply Route. As a result, 12 gallant AMISOM soldiers lost their lives while seven others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment," AU mission said in a statement on Monday.
The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Francisco Madeira however commended the courage and bravery of AMISOM troops, who were targeted in an IED attack.
"The African Union Mission appreciates and honours the heroes whose lives have been lost while pursuing peace and stability in Somalia. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of our fallen soldiers, the people and government of Uganda," said Madeira.
"Your sacrifice and commitment to the cause for peace in Somalia is recognized and most appreciated by our continental Organization and by every member state of the African Union and will never be in vain," he added.
AMISOM condemned in the strongest terms acts of terrorism, upon which the perpetrators' sole aim is to spread anarchy and inflict suffering on the people of Somalia.
Madeira reiterated AMISOM's continued commitment to the cause for peace in Somalia, noting that such attacks will not derail efforts to rid Somalia of the blood thirsty terrorists.
The militants have recently increased their attacks against AMISOM and Somali forces in the country, which resulted in the loss of some towns although the militants mainly held those towns briefly.
The AMISOM and Somali forces have also increased airstrikes in southern Somalia in the recent past, resulting in the killing of several militants in March.
