2,000 troops withdrawn from Somalia as ATMIS begins drawdown

**A section of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops.** [ATMIS]

In Mogadishu, and other regions, ATMIS provides security to population centres, main supply routes, key government institutions, including Parliament, presidential palaces, seaports, airports, and airfields.

ATMIS will also provides security to enable Humanitarian actors deliver much-needed food and emergency relief items to communities in need and remote areas.

The commander of ATMIS BNDF 2nd Battle Group in Xaaji Cali, Lt Col Richard Bimenyimana, officially handed over the facility to the Somali National Army (SNA) Commander in the area, Maj. Bashir Abukar Ahmed.

"Over the years, we have worked closely with the SNA, and this cooperation has significantly contributed to improved stability and security in this area. Today's handing over forms part of the transfer of security responsibilities," said Lt. Col. Musau.

The SNA commander for Xaaji Cali, Maj. Bashir, thanked ATMIS for the facility noting that the handover was the culmination of cordial working relationships between ATMIS and SNA troops.

"We have always had good working relations with ATMIS throughout their operations here. Now that they are handing over as mandated, we are happy to take over security responsibilities," said Maj Bashir.

The drawdown comes amid an increased attack on troops' operation bases. The latest attack happened on Tuesday where a suicide bomber attacked civilians who were being recruited to join the Somalia National Army.

The attack came less than 10 days after Uganda People's Defence Force lost 54 soldiers after Al-Shabaab militants overrun its base in Somalia.

While confirming the attack, President Yoweri Museveni told the National Resistance Movement parliamentary caucus that one commander was among the soldiers killed in the deadly attack on its Forward Operations Base (FOB).