Change of command: KDF's Rashid takes over ATMIS Sector II command
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Staff Reporter Garowe Online
- Posted On 27-02-2024, 02:38PM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) dispatched Brigadier Seif Salim Rashid to Somalia, where he officially took over command of the Sector II, which stretches to Afmadhow Forward Operating Base (FOB), strategic in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
Seif Salim Rashid takes over from Brigadier William Kamoiro, who ended his tour of duty in the Horn of Africa nation. Division commanders work for 12 months according to KDF doctrines, which strictly apply in missions.
Brig. Kamoiro praised troops for their dedication to the ATMIS mandate and stressed seamless collaboration with SSF while Brig. Rashid emphasized vigilance against threats. The team has managed to put Al-Shabaab at bay in southern Somalia.
The officers met with Sector VI Commander, Brig. Lucas Kutto to discuss current security challenges and ongoing military operations. They also paid a courtesy call to Jubaland State President Ahmed Mohammed Islam to discuss security matters.
Deputy Brigade Commander of the 6th Brigade, Col. Meshack Sinkira Kishoyian, and incoming 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. J.K. Maina, were present, ATMIS reports.
On Saturday, Sector 6 Commander, Brig. Gen. Lucas Kutto oversaw the transfer of operational equipment to the SNA command in Kismayo. The equipment, including vehicles and mine detection tools donated by UNMAS, signifies continued support to SNA in its counterterrorism operations and readiness post-ATMIS withdrawal.
Brig. Gen. Kutto expressed gratitude to UNMAS for its assistance and emphasized the importance of building SNA's capacity to secure Somalia. The KDF contingent is preparing for an exit from the Horn of Africa nation, and already, many soldiers have since left.
It is anticipated that by December 2024, the ATMIS contingent will have left the country. The Somali National Army has started assuming security responsibilities in different parts of the country, after over 5,000 ATMIS soldiers were withdrawn by December 2023.
GAROWE ONLINE
