Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Some regions of Somalia will soon be under the protection of a new security force known as AUSSOM, which will replace the old ATMIS operation. The new forces will include troops from six countries, including Ethiopia, Egypt, and Kenya.
Ali Balad, the Minister of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, confirmed that the AUSSOM forces will soon begin their operations in the country. The new mission aims to take over from ATMIS.
Balad also explained that the Somali government will decide where the AUSSOM forces will be deployed. Specifically, the Ministry of Defense and the Somali security agencies will determine the operational areas for AUSSOM.
This new mission marks Egypt’s first involvement in Somalia, as the country has not previously deployed troops there. However, Egypt has been excluded from previous missions in Somalia.
It is worth noting that ATMIS forces, whose mandate has now expired, have not been involved in significant operations in recent years. These forces were mostly stationed at camps, and the fight against Al-Shabaab was primarily carried out by Somali government forces and local militias.