Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has on Sunday handed over three helicopters to the Burundian forces under African Transition Mission in Somalia to support their operations against Al-Shabaab.

In an statement posted on its official X account (formerly Twitter), UNSOS underscored importance of these helicopters in strengthening ATMIS (African Union Mission in Somalia) operations in Somalia.

“UNSOS has supported ATMIS with three helicopters for the Burundi Defense Forces, enhancing ATMIS operations against Al-Shabaab,” the UNSOS statement read.

The Mi-8 and Bell 412 helicopters, which have been approved by the United Nations, play a crucial role in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

“The helicopters will facilitate troop transportation, swift troop deployment, and the delivery of medical supplies to the frontline forces,” the statement added.

UNSOS reiterated its commitment to providing essential logistical support and assistance to ATMIS, working closely and collaboratively with the Somali Security Forces (SSF).

This support was aimed at enabling ATMIS to effectively fulfil its mandate in Somalia, and it comes at a time when the federal government of Somalia requested for a technical pause to delay the withdrawal of ATMIS troops for 90 days.

Previously, Somalia has already received Bell 412 helicopters, which are expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Somali National Army (SNA).

Burundi is one of the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troop-contributing countries and has actively engaged in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization, which has become a threat not only to Somalia but also to its neighbouring countries.