Beledweyne (KAAB TV) – A new contingent of troops from Djibouti has arrived in Beledweyne to join the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the successor mission to ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia). This marks a critical phase in the AU’s continued support for Somalia’s security transition.
The newly arrived troops were welcomed by Colonel Ugas Khalif Airport, commander of AUSSOM’s 4th Division, alongside senior officers from the Somali National Army, including Saeed Waberi. Shortly after their arrival, the reinforcements were deployed to Bula Burde and Jalalaqsi—two strategic towns in the Hiran region that have recently experienced renewed attacks by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
Officials confirmed that the Djiboutian forces will support joint operations with Somali National Army (XDS) units, focusing on stabilizing central Somalia. Their mission includes securing administrative hubs, protecting vital infrastructure like airstrips, and safeguarding key supply routes essential for AUSSOM logistics.
This deployment aligns with Djibouti’s reaffirmation of its long-standing commitment to Somalia’s security. President Ismail Omar Guelleh recently reiterated his government’s dedication to AUSSOM, which officially replaced ATMIS in January 2024 following a United Nations Security Council resolution.
Djibouti has played a pivotal role in operations within Sector 4 and is expected to remain a crucial security partner as Somalia intensifies its military campaign against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization.