SNA takes Geriley base from ATMIS forces

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ELWAQ: The Somali National Army has taken over the Geriley base at Elwaq district in Gedo region from the African Union Mission Transition in Somalia (ATMIS) forces.

This is part of the continued process by ATMIS to drawdown 2000 troops from the country by the end of June 2023 and a gradual transfer of security responsibility to the Somali National Army.

The Geriley FOB, located in the Gedo region of Jubaland State, is the 5th Forward Operating Base to be transferred to the Somali Security Forces by ATMIS Somalia.

Previously, the base was under the control of the ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces.

In addition to the Geriley FOB, the National Armed Forces Command has already taken control of ATMIS bases in the Adale district, Haji Ali, Mirtaqwo and Arbacow areas on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

The first phase of the drawdown aims to remove 2,000 ATMIS forces from the country by the end of June 202

This successful transfer of security responsibility is a positive development for Somalia and its efforts to establish stability and security within its borders.