U.S announces $2m logistical, medivac support for Somali forces

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU:  The U.S. government has announced $ 2 million in support to bolster the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

According to a statement from the US embassy in Mogadishu, the funds which will be channelled through the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) will ‘finance transport and in-theater medical evacuation for Somali Security Forces in line with the UNSOS mandate.’

UNSOS is mandated by the UN Security Council to provide logistical support to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in their joint operations against Al-Shabaab.

US embassy Chargé d’Affaires in Mogadishu Shane Dixon says the funds will go a long way in enabling the SSF in the ongoing war against Al-Shabaab.

“It is vital that Somali and ATMIS security forces have the strong logistical backing needed to defeat al-Shabaab on the battlefield,” said Dixon.  “We are proud to support UNSOS, a key partner to the United States and Somalia in our shared goal of advancing peace.”

UNSOS is currently mandated to support 15,900 Somali Security Forces concerning specific logistical needs. On her part, UNSOS chief Aisa Kirabo Kacyira hailed the contribution as key in boosting the UNSOS mandate in Somalia.

“This contribution comes at a pertinent time and will positively impact our activities in providing agile logistics support to Somali Security Forces.  Our support package is mandated by the UN Security Council and priorities in implementing this support are set by the Federal Government of Somalia,” said Kacyira.