SNA and AMISOM in security operations to secure Electoral process

by: Website Editor | Friday, 19 February 2021 00:28 EAT

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AMISOM

Mogadishu (Diplomat.so) – Recent operations by the the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) against militia groups in HirShabelle State of Somalia have led to the recovery of a variety of weapons, destruction of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), arrests, surrender and neutralization of armed militants.

On Wednesday, February 10, in Qoor-Deere, four Al-Shabaab terrorists were killed and assorted weapons were seized. At Shampoo village, 9 kilometers east of Jowhar town, 21 Al-Shabaab militants were captured alive while others were killed in a shoot-out with AMISOM and SNA troops.

This followed another successful offensive operation in January at Xawaal, which neutralized over a dozen armed Al-Shabaab militants and the arrest of seven operatives.

"We have conducted operations around Jowhar township and apprehended many suspected Al-Shabaab members. In Raga Ceele, we recovered a variety of weapons including materials used in making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),” said the Burundi Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Telesphore Barandereka.

"The upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections are important to Somalia and we are ready to secure them in our areas of responsibility. Our preparations include putting together a special force that will provide security at the venues for the election, the immediate environment and beyond. Together with the Somali Security Forces (SSF), we have also put in place contingencies to thwart attempts by Al-Shabaab to disrupt the elections. We also hold regular planning meetings with our partners and other actors to agree on strategies that will create a conducive environment for a secure and peaceful election,” Brigadier General explained.

The Head of AMISOM and SRCC, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, commended AMISOM Burundi Contingent and the SNA for these achievements and highlighted their importance in helping to reinforce and maintain peace and stability in Somalia.

"The impressive work being done by our troops alongside their SNA counterparts across the country is important to our mandate and commitment to the people of Somalia. The forthcoming elections are a priority for AMISOM. Together with the Federal Government of Somalia, the Federal Member States and the Somali Security Forces, we will plan, coordinate, manage, and deliver security operations throughout the electoral process,” he highlighted.