AU forces in Somalia unveil new operational vehicles in fight against Al-Shabab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] has on Monday unveiled new operational vehicles in Baidoa, in a move geared towards boosting troops engaged in the fight against Al-Shabaab, amid increased attacks by the terror group.

Lt. General Tigabu Yilma, the AU Forces commander in Somalia, said the new acquisitions would boost the operational capability of his troops, which are involved in ground combats against the militants in parts of Jubaland, Southwest and HirShabelle.

The three states have been earmarked as hotspots for the militants, who use remote villages to recruit and train youths after enlisting them as substantive fighters. Galmadug is also facing the Al-Shabaab threat according to AMISOM.

While addressing AU forces in Baidoa, Yilma, whose Ethiopia National Defense Forces [ENDF] man most parts of Southwest and Jubay, said the operational vehicles and military hardware will increase the mobility of his troops by clearing main supply routes in Southwest.

This, he added, would also substantially help in securing population centers besides helping to degrade the Al-Shabaab militants. The Al-Qaida linked group controls large swathes of rural southern and central Somalia, UN said in a report.

“I am here in Baidoa to unveil our new equipment. We have to ensure that our forces are properly trained in using this military hardware and are able to take care of it," said the ENDF general, who took over AMISOM responsibilities in 2018.

'With proper training and use of this equipment, I have no doubt that we will succeed in delivering the AMISOM mandate,” he added, noting the danger Al-Shabaab poises to the people of Somalia and neighboring nations.

He lauded the steps taken by the ENDF troops in implementing the AMISOM Concept of Operations and advancing in the Somalia Transition Plan, with just over one year before the force officially leaves Somalia.

Under the transition plan, AMISOM forces are working closely with the Somali Security Forces in gradually handing over security responsibilities of the country ahead of AMISOM’s anticipated exit from Somalia.

“As you know, we are implementing the Somalia Transition Plan, which is based on our Concept of Operations. This requires us to secure population centers and main supply routes. To do that, we need highly mobile equipment to enable us to conduct effective offensive operations against the enemy,” he said.

Yilma's visit comes a fortnight after ENDF troops were ambushed by the Al-Shabaab militants en route Baidoa from Doolow in Jubaland. Several militants died during the deadly encounter, the force said in a rare statement.

Last week, there was also an attempted raid against UPDF troops in Barawe town within Southwest, but the attack was repulsed by the vigilant troops. Two VBIEBs were used by the militants in the attempted raid, Brig. Richard Karemire said in a statement.

Early this week, the militants also launched a vicious attack at Halane Base Camp within Mogadishu, killing four civilians during the raid. At least seven mortar shells were thrown at the facility, police said.

On landing in Baidoa, the Force Commander was received by Sector three-commander, Brigadier General Alemu Ayene, and other AMISOM officials. He was immediately taken round to the inspect the all-terrain vehicles, battlewagons, and an assortment of operational equipment to be used by the troops.

He was accompanied by Colonel David Obonyo, AMISOM Chief Military Intelligence Officer and Colonel Ibrahim Jungudo, AMISOM Chief Force Engineer, as well as other senior AMISOM officers, AU forces added in a statement.

Elsewhere, the AU forces recorded the first positive case of COVID-19 in Somalia. The victim, reports indicate, has been Workin at Mogadishu seaport and has been in Somalia for the last six months.

AMISOM since put in place protocols at MHQs, including awareness campaigns, water points, disinfectants. As of Tuesday, Somalia had registered 528 positive cases, 14 recoveries, and 28 deaths, health department told the press.

The Al-Shabaab militants remain a big threat to Somalia's stability quest, often targeting security forces, foreigners, and government operatives. But the militants have lost several key towns, among the Janaale in Southwest, which was recently captured by SNA with the aid of UPDF and the US Africa Command.

GAROWE ONLINE