UN Security Council condemns attack on AU mission in Somalia

UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (Xinhua) --

The UN Security Council on Wednesday strongly condemned al-Shabaab's terrorist attack on the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forward operating base in Buulo Mareer in Lower Shabelle region on May 26.

In a press statement, the members of the Security Council paid tribute to the Ugandan peacekeepers who lost their lives in the attack, and expressed sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Uganda.

The council members also paid tribute to all ATMIS troops who continue to serve with honor in Somalia, and expressed their appreciation for their service in support of peace and stability in Somalia.

They underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to justice, and urged all states to cooperate actively with the government of Somalia and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

They reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The council members strongly condemned al-Shabaab's terrorist attacks in Somalia and neighboring states, expressed deep concern at the civilian casualties from these attacks, and expressed their full support for the efforts by Somalia and ATMIS to counter the threat posed by al-Shabaab.

The ATMIS forward operating base in Buulo Mareer, some 120 km southwest of the Somali capital of Mogadishu, was attacked by al-Shabaab militants on May 26.

Uganda later said 54 bodies of its peacekeepers were found after Ugandan troops regained control of the base.