Ugandan troops foil Al-Shabaab attack in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) foiled a would-be deadly attack by Al-Shabaab in southern parts of Somalia, reports indicate, just as security teams prepare for another round of operations in the southern states of Jubaland and Southwest.

The second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab was scheduled to kick off in the two states some months back but the process was put on hold due to a logistic nightmare for the local troops, who are set to take over security responsibilities from the foreign soldiers.

According to reports, the UPDF contingent managed to successfully thwart an Al-Shabaab attack on Kismayo Road Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Barawe, Lower Shabelle, recovering several weapons from the militants.

Battle Group 38 Commander, Col. Christopher Berochan, stressed the need for sustained vigilance against Al-Shabaab and other illegal groups. The militants have been targeting military camps in their cowardly attacks since they cannot fight on battlefields.

The foiled attack underscores ATMIS's commitment to regional security and security, he said. The UPDF team is part of the ATMIS contingent tasked with the protection of civilians besides degrading Al-Shabaab militants in the Horn of Africa nation.

Besides Uganda, ATMIS also comprises soldiers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Burundi, with the team set to completely withdraw from the country by the end of 2024. Already, 5,000 soldiers have been withdrawn from the country.

This June, an additional 4,000 soldiers are supposed to leave under the ongoing implementation of the Somali Transition Plan (STP). The exit marks the beginning of security responsibilities handed over by the foreign troops to the local forces.

GAROWE ONLINE