AU forces beef up security in Halane Camp after terror attack

ATMIS said in a statement that the operation was aimed at ensuring the security of the base, which houses western diplomatic missions, including the U.S. embassy, UN agencies, and the headquarters of the AU forces.

News Keydmedia Online
10 April 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The new AU mission in Somalia ATMIS, formerly AMISOM, has launched a security operation in Halane Camp and on the roads leading to Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu after a deadly Al-Shabaab raid.

ATMIS said in a statement that the operation was aimed at ensuring the security of the base, which houses western diplomatic missions, including the U.S. embassy, UN agencies, and the headquarters of the AU forces.

The operation, ATMIS said will continue from 10 to 16 April and all activities of the people and vehicles will be closely monitored inside Halane to avert possible Al-Shabaab terror attacks during the ongoing Holy Month of Ramadan.

On March 23, 2022, two militants attacked Aden Adde International Airport next to Halane Camp and killed at least 6 people, including five foreigners said to be military trainers working with the AU forces.

The purpose of the operation is unknown, but it is being linked to preparations for the April 12th commemoration of the 62nd anniversary of the formation of the Somali National Army [SNA].

The Somali military and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) are working together to tighten the security of the capital, to prevent anything that could disrupt the April 12th commemoration.

Meanwhile, the opposition presidential candidates’ union has expressed concern about the military movements in Mogadishu, saying Farmajo could be plotting his third coup attempt since 2021.

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