Mogadishu December 05, 2022 (SD) – The African Union forces in Somalia ATMIS announced that they are part of the battle between Somali forces and Al Shabaab in the last few months in the country.

ATMIS said in a Tweet that it is providing air support to the Somali ground forces in their fight against Al Shabab militants.

ATMIS, which is supposed to be different from AMISOM in working with Somalis in securing peace, has so far not been seen as a part of the ongoing security operations in Somalia.

The announcement comes as Somalia recently requested that the AU extend timelines for this year’s ATMIS troop reduction

Some Somalis see the African and other foreign forces as an obstacles to the establishment of a Somali army that provides security.