Beletweyne, 4 June 2023 – African Union forces and the Somali National Army (SNA) have stepped up joint military operations against Al-Shabaab insurgents in Hirshabelle State ahead of the withdrawal of some 2,000 troops by the end of June.
Col. Hassan Djama Farah, Sector Four Commander of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops, said the close collaboration forged with SNA and local communities has played a pivotal role in liberating areas that were formerly under terrorist control.
At a media briefing in Beletweyne, Col. Djama attributed the successes against Al-Shabaab to the extensive knowledge of the local terrain by SNA forces and enhanced information sharing by the local communities.
“Our operations could not be successful without the significant role of SNA forces, they are friendly with the local communities who mostly relay reliable and timely tip-offs to our troops,” noted Col. Djama.
Under ATMIS sectorisation, Sector Four is manned by a combined force of Ethiopian and Djiboutian troops whose operational Headquarters is in Beletweyne town, 342 Km northwest of the capital Mogadishu.
Situated along the main supply route connecting to Buulo-Burto, Jowhar and Mogadishu, in the Hiraan region, Beletweyne was the epicenter of Al-Shabaab activities before they were flushed out by the joint forces during the first phase of a military offensive.
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sanctioned the commencement of the operations in August 2022 that targeted the Hirshabelle and Galmudug states in central Somalia.
While hailing the good relationship with ATMIS troops, Major Mohamed Omar Ibaar, the SNA Commander of the 5th Battalion of the 27th Division, expressed confidence that the Somali security forces were ready to take over full security responsibilities once ATMIS forces exit.
“We definitely have acquired the necessary skills and experience to fully provide security in Beletweyne and its environs,” he said.
In the wake of flooding in Beletweyne, the SNA alongside ATMIS troops, have been instrumental in evacuating people and providing humanitarian assistance to affected families.
