‘We strongly condemn those attacks directed against Somali forces. This is a vivid reminder of the sacrifices soldiers make every day as they fight valiantly to keep Somalia and its people safe,’ the special representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations said in a statement.

According to Swan, such aggressive actions are aimed at undermining efforts at rebuilding this country in the so-called Horn of Africa.

The official sent his condolences to those affected by the loss of life, as well as wishing the speedy recovery of those that were wounded.

The Al-Shabab group assumed responsibility for the attacks, which were launched simultaneously on Saturday against military units in Barire and Awdhigle and in which, however, it suffered a large number of casualties, more than 115 as reported on Sunday by Defense minister Hassan Haji.

Haji, who visited the hospital in Mogadishu where the soldiers injured in the attacks in the Lower Shabelle region are being assisted, praised the role played by the Army in its rapid response to the insurgents’ actions, which as he said saved many lives.

Since 1991, when guerrillas overthrew President Mohamed Siad Barre, this country has suffered an intermittent warlike conflict, a power dispute that prevents the full consolidation of its institutions and currently has the Federal Government at war with the Al-Shabab guerrilla.

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