MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) commenced its third phase of troop drawdown by handing over the Bariire Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Lower Shabelle region this week. The base was previously manned by Ugandan forces.
Brig. Gen. Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, the ATMIS Uganda Contingent Commander, officially transferred control of the FOB to Maj. Muhudin Ahmed of the Somali National Army (SNA).
The handover ceremony was attended by senior officials from both ATMIS and SNA, and was overseen by Col. Suleiman Ibrahim, representing the ATMIS Deputy Force Commander for Support and Logistics.
In a statement, ATMIS said the third phase of the drawdown aligns with the UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 (2022), 2670 (2022), and 2710 (2023), which require ATMIS to reduce its forces by 4,000 troops by the end of June 2024.
“This third phase follows the successful completion of the first two phases, concluded in June 2023 and January 2024, during which ATMIS reduced its troops by 5,000 and handed over 17 FOBs,” ATMIS stated.
Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab militants have increased their violent attacks in southern Somalia. On Saturday, the militants attacked Bardaale town in the Bay region, killing a military commander. On Sunday, Al-Shabaab also attacked Balcad town in Lower Shabelle.