MOGADISHU, March 4 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) announced Monday that its 14 troops have completed a month-long training to counter the evolving threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which have become a weapon of choice for terrorists.
The training was facilitated by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), a key partner to the ATMIS, which has consistently worked over the years to strengthen the capacity of both the ATMIS and the Somali Security Forces to effectively identify and disarm IEDs.
"Conducted by UNMAS, the training focused on equipping officers with skills to conduct efficient route searches during security operations to mitigate IED threats within the mission's area of responsibility," the AU mission said in a statement. "The troops will form two new route search teams, adding significant strength to the ongoing efforts to counter the IED threat."
These efforts, according to the AU mission, have been crucial in mitigating the impact of IEDs laid by al-Shabab militants, which have historically led to substantial civilian casualties and severe disruptions to the movement of people and goods. ■
