ABU DHABI/RIYADH/MANAMA — Five soldiers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain have lost their lives in a terrorist attack on a military base in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. The attack also resulted in injuries to two other members of the UAE Armed Forces, with one of the injured succumbing to his injuries upon arrival. The fallen include Col. Mohamed Al Mansouri, Warrant Officer 1 Mohamed Al Shamsi, Warrant Officer 1 Khalifa Al Balushi, and Cpl Suleiman Al Shehhi from the UAE, alongside Maj. Abdullah Rashid Al Noaimi of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF). The remains of the martyred soldiers were repatriated to Abu Dhabi, arriving at Al Bateen Executive Airport aboard a military aircraft. A solemn military ceremony was held at the airport to honor their sacrifice, attended by senior leaders and officers from the Ministry of Defense, and the families and relatives of the martyrs. The UAE Ministry of Defense announced that the servicemen were on a mission in Somalia to train and qualify the Somali Armed Forces as part of bilateral military cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Somalia. The Ministry extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, expressing hope for a full and speedy recovery for the injured. Following this tragic incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia issued a statement condemning the terrorist attack and reiterated the Kingdom's firm stance against violence, terrorism, and extremism in all its forms. Saudi Arabia expressed its solidarity with Somalia, the UAE, and Bahrain, offering sincere condolences to the families of the martyrs and to the governments and peoples of the affected countries. The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) also mourned the loss of their officer and the UAE servicemen, extending heartfelt condolences and sympathy to their families. Prayers were offered for the departed souls to rest in eternal peace and for their families to find patience and fortitude during this challenging time. The BDF wished a prompt recovery for the wounded UAE Armed Forces personnel. Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), joined in expressing condolences and sympathy to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, condemning the terrorist act as a blatant attack on the lives of innocent people and a threat to regional security and stability. Al-Budaiwi prayed for peace for the souls of the martyrs and for strength for their grieving families, as well as a quick recovery for the injured.
