ATMIS, SNA Open Up 14Km Road Earlier Blockaded By Alshabaab Insurgents

Today in the morning, the joint forces of UPDF serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Somali National Army (SNA), successfully opened up a 14Kms Beledamin-Quoryoley route. This road connects to Mogadishu- Kismayu highway.

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

For several years, travelers had abandoned the route due to numerous bombs planted by Alshabaab.

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