Mahas, SONNA – In a significant step towards bolstering national security, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has handed over the Maxaas Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) as part of the ongoing Phase Three drawdown. This facility, located in the Hiiran region, is the sixth military base transferred to the SNAF.
Lt. Hussein Mohamed, representing the Somali National Army (SNA), affirmed SNAF’s preparedness to take on security responsibilities and intensify operations against Al Shabaab militants. He highlighted the readiness and commitment of Somali forces to uphold peace and security in the region.
Patrick Duah, Chief of Transition Planning for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), underscored the critical role of UNSOS in supporting the Somali Transition Plan and the broader peacebuilding process. Duah emphasized the importance of logistical support in ensuring the successful transfer and sustainability of the FOB.
UNSOS has provided essential logistical assistance to SNAF, including UN-owned equipment such as generators, boreholes, and water bladders, to enhance camp utility and life support systems. This support is crucial for the SNAF as they assume full control of the Maxaas FOB and continue their mission to secure Somalia.
