On Saturday, a tragic attack took place at the General Gordon Military Base in Mogadishu, Somalia. The al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack, which resulted in the deaths of four Emirati troops and a Bahraini military officer who were on a training mission. The details regarding the attack and any additional casualties remain scarce. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended his condolences to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the loss of its troops.
In a statement released by the UAE's state-run news agency, WAM, it was reported that three Emirati troops and the Bahraini officer were killed in a 'terrorist act.' Later, a fourth Emirati soldier passed away while being transported back to the UAE. The news agency released heart-rending footage of three flag-draped caskets being received with honor at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. The deceased were identified as a colonel, two warrant officers, and a corporal.
