MOGADISHU — The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said on Thursday that it has intensified its joint military offensives with Somali security forces despite a three-month technical pause to the second phase of the drawdown of the ATMIS troops.
ATMIS Force Commander Sam Okiding said following the technical pause, which was requested by Somalia, ATMIS has reorganized its troops and is continuing the robust fight against al-Shabab.
“Since the 90-day technical pause in the Phase Two drawdown, our operations with Somali security forces have significantly intensified,” Okiding said in a statement issued in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.
The ATMIS commander affirmed ATMIS’s dedication to maintaining security and stability in Somalia and building on the successes of its predecessor mission.
Okiding said the onset of rains has slightly delayed plans for further liberation efforts in joint offensives, noting that the rains have impacted some of ATMIS’s military bases, leading to flooding and operational delays.
He said despite these natural challenges, ATMIS, in cooperation with its partners, has established a task force to prepare for El Nino and its aftermath.
According to Somalia’s security plans, ATMIS will be drawing down its troops over the next 14 months before completely departing at the end of 2024, with the Somali security forces assuming prime responsibility in this area.
Source: Xinhua
