UNMAS Supplies Gear to Enhance Somalia's Anti-IED Operations

Synopsis

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has delivered a variety of critical equipment to Somalia to combat the ongoing threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of the Somali security forces and promote national security.

Key Takeaways

UNMAS has provided essential equipment for countering IEDs in Somalia.
The support includes vehicles, medical devices, and training kits.
Somalia's national security forces are improving their anti-IED capabilities.
Over 1,400 casualties were reported last year due to IEDs.
Ongoing training is crucial for long-term success in defeating IED threats.

Mogadishu, Feb 27 (NationPress) The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has provided a range of essential life-saving equipment to combat the ongoing threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Somalia.

This equipment, which comprises vehicles, training-of-trainers kits, route search tools, medical devices, and explosive ordnance disposal gear, is anticipated to strengthen Somalia's anti-IED initiatives, facilitating the nation's journey toward self-reliance in ensuring national security, as stated by the UN mission in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital.

Ilene Cohn, Director of UNMAS, emphasized, "Considering the nature of the IED threat in Somalia, it is vital to enhance the capabilities of the national security forces, especially as we contemplate the eventual and gradual withdrawal of the AU (African Union) forces."

IEDs remain a considerable danger to peace and security throughout Somalia, with 597 devices causing over 1,400 casualties last year, according to UNMAS.

The Somali National Army (SNA)'s UNMAS-trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams have reported a 70 percent success rate in locating and neutralizing IEDs.

According to Raisedon Zenenga, the UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, the UN is establishing practical capabilities on the ground for Somali security forces in EOD and IED clearance, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

UNMAS is enhancing the explosive threat capacity of Somali security forces through training, equipping, and offering advisory support.

Since 2021, UNMAS has trained and equipped 51 EOD teams of the SNA and has conducted trainer-of-trainers courses to ensure the sustainability of capacity development.

Omar Ali Abdi, Somalia's State Minister of Defence, stated, "We require more training and equipment as we are engaged in a fierce battle with our adversaries, who deploy mines on roads as their preferred weapon. The mines hinder our progress. If we can overcome them, we will liberate more areas."