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Somali and African Union forces train to combat IED threat

In the ongoing battle against illegal armed groups in Somalia, such as the notorious Al Shabaab, eighty officers from the Somali Security Forces (SSF) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) recently completed a rigorous three-day training focused on countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

These deadly devices have become the weapon of choice for Al Shabaab in their asymmetric warfare tactics, posing a severe threat to both military personnel and civilians.

Facilitated by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UK-MST), the training aimed to enhance the operational efficiency of SSF in dealing with IED risks in the Federal Member States (FMS).

The comprehensive programme covered various aspects of IED detection, disposal, and post-blast investigation techniques, providing officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively combat this dangerous threat.

ATMIS military Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Kindu Gezu, emphasized the importance of the training in achieving the mission to degrade Al Shabaab and support the Somali-led peace and security process.

He highlighted the crucial role that continued vigilance plays in countering the ever-evolving tactics of illegal armed groups, particularly in detecting and neutralizing IEDs before they can cause harm.

The collaborative efforts between ATMIS, SSF, and UNMAS have proven to be successful over the years, with numerous IEDs detected and safely disposed of, preventing countless potential casualties.

Since 2017, ATMIS Counter-IED teams have uncovered and detonated 439 devices, showcasing the effectiveness of their training and operational strategies in safeguarding the lives of civilians and military personnel.

In 2023, the ATMIS Search and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams made significant progress by clearing 74 percent of devices targeting ATMIS troops.

This proactive approach not only prevented potential casualties but also ensured the safety and security of the troops on the ground.

The UNMAS Somalia Chief highlighted the importance of these efforts in protecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and humanitarian relief efforts in the region.

The ATMIS Military Chief Engineer, Col. Suleiman Ibrahim, emphasized the need for continuous partnership and collaboration to effectively address the IED menace. He noted that combating IED threats requires innovation, flexibility, and a unified approach from all stakeholders involved.

During the closing ceremony, Col. Ibrahim underscored the challenges and complexities of the fight against IEDs, stressing the importance of sustained efforts and cooperation.

Col. Adan Abdullahi Ali, the Chief Engineer for the Somali National Army, expressed his appreciation to ATMIS, UNMAS, and UK-MST for their support in enhancing the skills and capabilities of the Somali Security Forces.

The training workshop, themed ‘Working towards a sustainable SSF Counter-IED capacity development in preparation for the Somalia security transition,’ provided a platform for discussing Somalia’s IED threats, threat assessments, and ongoing operations.

Through collaborative efforts, UNMAS and ATMIS have been instrumental in building the capacity of SSF personnel, enabling them to effectively detect and neutralize IEDs that pose a danger to civilian safety.

This joint effort ensures that Somalia can achieve peace and stability while countering the ever-present threat of improvised explosive devices.

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