Monday March 4, 2024
President Sheikh Mohamed visits Capt Mohamed Al Nuaimi, who was injured while serving with the UAE Armed Forces in Somalia, at Zayed Military Hospital. All photos: Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court
Dubai (HOL) - President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Zayed Military Hospital on Sunday, where an officer is receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a terrorist attack in Somalia.
The al-Shabab attack claimed the lives of four members of the UAE Armed Forces who were providing training to Somali forces. Additionally, an officer from the Bahrain Defence Force was also killed in the attack.
Last month, the bodies of Col. Mohamed Al Mansouri, Staff Warrant Officer Khalifa Al Balushi, Staff Warrant Officer Mohamed Al Shamsi, and Cpl Suleiman Al Shehh were repatriated to Abu Dhabi.
“Mercy to the martyrs of the Emirates as they perform their duties in maintaining security and stability wherever they are,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X. “Pride and glory go to the UAE as it performs its duties in establishing peace and security in the region and the world for the good of humanity.”
The incident occurred when a newly trained Somali soldier opened fire at the Gordon military base managed by the UAE in the capital, Mogadishu. Sources indicate that the soldier opened fire on the UAE trainers and Somali military officials while they were praying.
Al Shabaab, linked to al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its fighters had killed 17 soldiers.