ATMIS readies troops ahead of final offensive against al-Shabab

African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said Tuesday it's assessing the combat readiness of its troops in the southern region ahead of the final phase of a military offensive against the al-Shabab terrorist group.

Sam Okiding, ATMIS force commander, on Monday visited Qoryoley and Janale military bases which are under the Area of Responsibility of ATMIS Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) troops to boost their morale to flush out the militants in the area. Okiding urged the troops to be more vigilant to ensure the safety of local communities during the transition period.

"My visit here is to boost your morale and check on your readiness to face the enemy and safeguard the people of Somalia. Our main focus is to deliver on our mandate and leave behind a safe and secure Somalia when ATMIS exits in December 2024," he said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

The ATMIS force commander, who inspected facilities at the two military bases, held a meeting with the military leadership and later addressed the troops on how to collaborate with ATMIS forces to defeat the threat posed by al-Shabab.

The ATMIS and Somali National Army (SNA) are expected to launch a fresh round of a military offensive in a final push to degrade the al-Shabab and liberate the remaining territories under their hold.

The Somali-led joint operation will target the Lower Shabelle and Jubaland regions in southern Somalia as the government continues to extend its authority.

The ATMIS is currently in the process of handing over seven militaries and withdrawing 2,000 troops by June 30 in compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670 which require the ATMIS to gradually hand over security responsibilities to Somali security forces.