The Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa has confirmed today that the US plans to transfer 20 MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles to AMISOM forces engaged in active combat in Somalia. The donation is part of the US Excess Defense Articles program.
Uganda and Burundi contingents of AMISOM are the recipients of the MRAPS which had previously been used in the Afghan counter-terror campaign. The deployment of the MRAPs will improve the capacity of AMISOM forces to ward off Al-Shabaab ambushes hence enhancing the effectiveness of AMISOM’s military campaigns.
The MRAPs will replace 20 Casspirs currently in use. The Casspirs are not as secure as the MRAPs. At the moment, technicians are working on ensuring that the MRAPs are operational and combat ready. It is hoped that this will be accomplished before January ends.
AMISOM has played a great role in degrading the effective military capabilities of Al-Shabaab and denying it the opportunity to re-establish control from areas it was driven out by AMISOM.
