MOGADISHU, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Tuesday denied reports that al-Shabab killed 30 of its soldiers in an attack on its convoy in Hiraan region of central Somalia on Monday.
The AU mission termed such reports as false, malicious and aimed at misleading the public on the ongoing security operation against al-Shabab militants by AU and Somali security forces.
"AMISOM would like to refute reports appearing in the section of the press that 30 of its soldiers were killed in the improvised explosive device attack that targeted its convoy in Hiraan region yesterday," it said in a statement.
The terrorist group claimed on Monday its fighters killed 30 Ethiopian soldiers who are part of the pan African body in an explosion in Hiraan region.
The remotely-controlled roadside bomb struck the convoy as it left BeletWeyne en route to Kalabeyr near Somalia border with Ethiopia. Al-Shabab said the IED tore apart the vehicle, killing the soldiers instantly.
However, AMISOM said only four soldiers incurred slight injuries and were treated at a local hospital in Beletweyene.
"AMISOM urges the public to be wary of false reports and continue working closely with the security forces to bring lasting peace and security in the country," it said.
The allied forces have increased security operations against the insurgents in the region and its surrounding areas.
