UPDF ATMIS Troops, Somali Army Open Road Blockaded by Al Shabaab Insurgents

The joint forces of UPDF serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Somali National Army (SNA), successfully opened up a 14 km Beledamin-Quoryoley route that had been blockaded by the Al Shabaab.

The road connects to Mogadishu- Kismayu highway.

The route clearance operation was conducted in order to allow freedom of movement for travellers and goods from Quoryoley to Mogadishu and other regions.

For several years, travellers had abandoned the route due to numerous bombs planted by Al Shabaab.

During the joint operation, forces discovered two improvised explosive devices; a pressure plate and a remote-controlled device located in the vicinity of Dalbyang Bridge.

ATMIS Counter improvised explosive device team supporting the joint forces successfully detonated them in place.

In the second phase of the ATMIS drawdown, forces are mandated to jointly conduct offensive operations in order to deny Al Shabaab militants’ freedom of action and enable Somali Security Forces to take full security responsibility for the liberated areas.