AMISOM troops have requested helicopters in order to boost their operations against the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab.
The troops through their commanders made the request during AMISOM assessment conference that was aimed at identifying training gaps in Mission specific and pre-deployment training, ended in the capital Mogadishu last evening.
The meeting, facilitated by the United Kingdom Mission Support Team (UKMST), was aimed at helping AU troops develop effective and appropriate pre-deployment training.
The assessment conference was attended by senior officers responsible for Peace Support Operations from the Troop Contributing Countries to AMISOM.
Priority areas of focus include enhanced training on countering Improvised Explosive Devices, which are a threat to the civilian populations and security forces in Somalia.
Addressing participants at the meeting, the Deputy Head of AMISOM Mr. Simon Mulongo, emphasized the need for adequate training and proper orientation of troops, to enable them effectively carry out military operations.
“If we had had helicopters both for transport and combat, this war would be over. This war would be over, or it would have taken a different configuration than what it is now,” Mr. Mulongo said. He called for improved support in military equipment.
