Somali, AU military officers sharpen skills on intelligence gathering

MOGADISHU -- Twenty soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Army (SNA) have wrapped up their four-day training aimed at sharpening skills on intelligence gathering crucial for degrading al-Shabab terrorists in the country.

The AU mission said Sunday the training on gathering and sharing of information was meant to deepen collaboration in conducting joint military operations against terrorists in Somalia.

AMISOM Force Commander Diomede Ndegeya stressed the significance of the course to military operations, noting that intelligence or information is a critical capability in military operations, and critical to both AMISOM and SNA.

"With the effective use of information, we can analyze the enemy and uncover his intentions, while helping to protect and support our own forces," Ndegeya said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

The J2 foundation course was attended by seven SNA and 13 AMISOM military officers, drawn from all the sectors.

Ndegeya said that intelligence can boost operation planning and decision making, noting that the situation in Somalia is complex and constantly evolving, necessitating good situational awareness.

Ndegeya urged the participants to transfer the knowledge and skills gained from the training to their jobs in their respective units, to enable the mission to achieve its mandate, particularly in efforts to degrade al-Shabaab and restore peace and stability in Somalia.