CAIRO, Jan 16 (Aswat Masriya) – Egypt condemned on Saturday a "terrorist attack" launched by Al-Shabab militants which killed tens of Kenyan soldiers in the southern Somali town of el-Adde near the Kenyan border.

Al-Shabab militants stormed an African Union (AU) military base on Friday, and captured the town of el-Adde. The base is run by Kenyan troops who are part of the AU force (AMISOM).

The group, which is aligned with al Qaeda, said it took over the base after a suicide bomber rammed its gates, and also controlled the town, capturing nearly 30 trucks and armored vehicles, Reuters reported.

In a press release, AMISOM condemned the dawn attack on its base at el-Adde and stated that the militants were engaged by AMISOM troops on the ground and "repulsed". The number of casualties and injuries are yet to be verified by the AU force.  

In its statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry extended its condolences to the people of Kenya and affirmed Egypt's support to the Republic of Somalia in its fight against terrorism. It further expressed its support for the AU's peace mission in Somalia and its appreciation of the sacrifices done in the name of peace and stability in Somalia.

Egypt also called on the international community to consolidate efforts to confront terrorism in all its forms.  

In the past year, Al-Shabab has staged multiple attacks in Somalia, as part of its strategy to impose its version of Islamic law across the horn of Africa nation.

The African Union Mission in Somalia has developed about 22,000 peacekeepers to help Somali government forces stabilize the country, which has been mired in conflict since civil war broke out in 1991.