The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Battle Group XXXVI serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia has detonated over 20 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by Al-Shabaab militants in areas of Sanka-Deel, Albao, Xaawa-Habiid, Lafore, Afogoye, Lantabur and Albiska
IEDs like victim operated, pressure plates, time delay and more complex ones of multiple switches targeting the civilian community, Somali Government Forces, ATMIS supply convoys and patrols were disabled by UPDF/ATMIS troops of BGXXXVI to enable free movement of civilian communities along the Main Supply Route to the Capital City Mogadishu which will boost business and agriculture in the area.
The BG XXXVI Commander Col John Musiitwa applauded the troops under his command especially the Route Searcher and Explosive Ordinance Devices (EOD) teams for the commendable work they have exhibited in the short time while in the mission areas. Col Musiitwa was addressing troops at the Battle Group headquarters in Albiska.
“This is a good gesture that, the skills aquired during pre-mission training, have been put to good use, That’s why we have good results in a short time, congratulations and keep the spirit high,” said Col Musiitwa.
He urged his troops to maintain the high morale and cautioned them against relaxing so as to defeat Al-Shabaab completely.
The Route search Commander Lt JK Mulehe requested the Somali local leaders to sensitize the community and always be patient whenever the road is cordoned off during IED confirmation and detonation process adding that, this is done in the interest of protecting their lives from the deadly IEDs planted by the Al-Shabaab.
BY Dan mugula