Over 1,500 people killed or injured by IEDs in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - For the last year, over 1,500 people, mostly innocent civilians have been killed or injured in Somalia, a report by the United Nations revealed, with the deaths attributed to the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), mostly used by the Al-Shabaab militants.

IEDs were used by the militants within the same period, the UN noted. James Swan, the UN Secretary General acting representative to Somalia said IEDs remain a major challenge towards Somalia’s quest for stability.

"I think everyone in the room knows how serious this threat is. The primary targets are your fellow soldiers in the Somalia National Army (SNA). It is crucially important that a solution be found to address this threat," Swan said in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, as he opened a month-long "train-the-trainer" course aimed at enhancing the SNA's capabilities in countering IEDs.

"As we move forward, we see this course as a vital part of continuing to build Somali capacity to handle and counter IEDs."

Last year, the Somali National Army (SNA) reported 378 deaths and 451 injuries mostly from IEDs, a significant warning to the mission troops, local military, aid workers, and even the innocent civilians within the country.

As the local troops assume security responsibilities, the report notes, there is a need to train and equip them on handling IEDs, which are the primary weapons used by the militants. The mission troops are set to hand over all security responsibilities to local troops by December 2024.

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has demonstrated the threats posed by IEDs over s period of four years. The militants usually targeted military bases and highly populated areas.

UNMAS, which has been leading the fight against the persistent threat of IEDs, said that it has provided consistent support to Somali forces, training 46 explosive ordnance disposal teams.

"This course marks a significant milestone, with Somali trainers for the first time training Somali students, ensuring sustainability for the SNA in responding to the threat posed by explosive hazards to communities across the country," said Fran O'Grady, chief of UNMAS in Somalia.

Eateries frequented by senior government and military officials are often targeted, even as the country declares total war against the militants. The US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have been assisting local troops to counter violent extremist groups.

GAROWE ONLINE