According to Somalia’s Defense Ministry. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces will continue securing the Mogadishu port and the Aden Adde airport while confirming that the withdrawal plan of the ATMIS troops was going on as planned and said the two critical infrastructure facilities will be the last the regional forces will leave.
Defense Minister Abdul Qadir Mohamed Noor said the airport and the port of Mogadishu are the last places where the ATMIS troops are leaving. He also affirmed the security of the whole country is being taken over by Somalia troops which means that the government of Somalia is fully prepared to assume security responsibilities in all parts of Somalia.
He added that ATMIS forces will completely withdraw from the country by the end of 2024 as Somalia forces gradually take over control of bases vacated by the African Union Forces.
A few days ago, the National Forces took over security responsibilities at the Villa Somalia presidential palace from ATMIS which had been securing it for 16 years.
The drawdown is in line with UNSC Resolution 2710, which mandates the withdrawal of 3000 ATMIS troops by 31 December 2023.
