Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), condemned Al-Shabaab militants for targeting the Somalia National Army (SNA) and ATMIS Ethiopian Military Base in Bardhere, Gedo area on Tuesday 21st June 2023.
According to El-Amine, two explosive-laden cars were detonated at a military base targeting an ongoing recruitment of SNA troops to help preserve peace and security following the withdrawal of ATMIS troops ahead of its demise in 2024.
“The recruitment is an effort to build SNA capacity to conduct offensives against terrorists and secure the conditions for governance and development to take root,” Souef explained.
He did, however, indicate that Al-Shabaab’s agents of destruction do not want Somalia to develop. Yesterday, two explosives were detonated at recruits, and on June 20, 2023, an Al-Shabaab suspected bomber was apprehended in Bariire town, lower Shabelle district, after carrying out a bomb attack on people.
“We thank the vigilance of civilians who acted in time and the bomber was arrested,” Souef said. “ATMIS is committed to assisting the federal government of Somalia and Federal member states in building the capacity forces to secure the country.”
Al-Shabaab carried out a dual strike in Bariire yesterday, injuring civilians as well as SNA forces. The apprehended suspect is a motorcycle rider who drove the suicide bomber to the attack site.
