MOGADISHU, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 1,500 civilians were killed or injured by 600 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Somalia over the past year, the UN reported late Thursday.
UN Secretary-General's Acting Special Representative for Somalia James Swan said that the threat of IEDs remains critical as Somalia progresses toward self-reliance and sustainability in national security.
"I think everyone in the room knows how serious this threat is. The primary targets are your fellow soldiers in the Somalia National Army (SNA). It is crucially important that a solution be found to address this threat," Swan said in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, as he opened a month-long "train-the-trainer" course aimed at enhancing the SNA's capabilities in countering IEDs. "As we move forward, we see this course as a vital part of continuing to build Somali capacity to handle and counter IEDs."
In 2023, the SNA reported 378 deaths and 451 injuries due to IEDs, highlighting the ongoing risks to both military personnel and civilians, according to the UN statement.
It noted that as Somalia moves toward assuming full responsibility for its security, such IEDs courses will better equip the country's security forces to handle this menace.
Since 2020, the SNA, backed by the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has demonstrated a growing capacity to counter the threat posed by IEDs.
UNMAS, which has been leading the fight against the persistent threat of IEDs, said that it has provided consistent support to Somali forces, training 46 explosive ordnance disposal teams.
"This course marks a significant milestone, with Somali trainers for the first time training Somali students, ensuring sustainability for the SNA in responding to the threat posed by explosive hazards to communities across the country," said Fran O'Grady, chief of UNMAS in Somalia.
He said that 14 additional trainees will undergo explosive ordnance disposal and route search sessions, building on previous training from UNMAS and their operational experience to ensure the long-term self-reliance of the SNA.
Since 2009, UNMAS Somalia has supported the African Union Mission in Somalia, now the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, by delivering tailored training in explosive threat mitigation and conducting pre- and post-deployment briefings. ■