Dhobley (KAAB TV) – As part of ongoing efforts to improve operational security and situational awareness, 18 members of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), have completed specialized training in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones.
The training was conducted in Dhobley District, a strategic area in southern Somalia, where Kenyan troops have maintained a presence as part of regional peacekeeping operations.
The selected soldiers were trained to operate small surveillance drones designed to monitor the surroundings of military camps, detect potential threats, and gather real-time intelligence on enemy movement.
This initiative was supported by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which plays a key role in providing logistical, technical, and training support to African Union forces deployed in Somalia.
The aim of the drone training is to enhance the KDF’s ability to secure their operational bases and respond proactively to any emerging threats in the region.
Colonel Morris Wasomi, the commanding officer overseeing Kenyan military operations in Dhobley, emphasized the importance of the new technology.
“The integration of drones into our daily operations allows us to efficiently monitor the areas surrounding our camps,” he stated. “This not only improves our ability to detect threats early but also strengthens the overall safety and readiness of our personnel.”
UNSOS, in partnership with the African Union, continues to provide capacity-building programs to ATMIS troops across all sectors.
These programs include training in self-defense, protection of civilians, human rights, and the responsible use of force—essential components for modern peacekeeping missions in complex environments like Somalia.
The use of drones marks a significant step forward in modernizing the capabilities of KDF forces deployed in Somalia, aligning them with international standards of surveillance and force protection.