ATMIS hands over seized weapons from Al-Shabaab to Somali Government

GOOBJOOG NEWS/MOGADISHU: The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Saturday handed over weapons recovered during operations against Al-Shabaab to the Federal Government of Somalia in a bid to degrade the group’s grip on dangerous arms.

The weapons recovered by ATMIS forces in collaboration with the Somali National Army (SNA) in the Lower Shabelle region included machine guns, rifles, and several rounds of ammunition.

While handing over the weapons to the SNA Commander of Land Forces, Gen. Mohamed Tahlil Bihi, the Deputy Head of ATMIS, Ms. Fiona Lortan said that the handover complied with the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) protocol, which outlines procedures for the storage and management of weapons.

“Under the procedures, all seized weapons are recorded, photographed, and inspected before their destruction or redistribution,” said Lortan.

The Commander of ATMIS Uganda contingent, Brig. Gen. Keith Katungi, said the recovery of weapons from Al-Shabaab aims to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

“This exercise shows the achievement of our (objective) to degrade and deny Al-Shabaab freedom of action and freedom of movement,” added Brig. Gen. Katungi.

On his part, Gen. Mohamed hailed the cooperation between ATMIS and SNA in efforts to restore peace and stability, ahead of the anticipated transfer of security responsibilities to Somali security forces.

“Our collaboration weakens the enemy and encourages our forces – both ATMIS and Somali Security Forces,” said Gen. Mohamed after receiving the cache of weapons.