The United Nations reported on Thursday that at least 1,500 individuals have been killed or injured by 600 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Somalia over the past year.
James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, stated in Mogadishu that these explosive devices represent a “serious” threat as Somalia makes progress toward self-sufficiency and sustainable national security.
He emphasized that Somali army soldiers are the primary targets of these attacks, underscoring the urgent need for effective solutions to address this pressing issue.
During the inauguration of a training program designed to enhance the army’s capacity to combat improvised explosive devices, Swan described this initiative as “a crucial part of continuing to build Somali capacity to handle and counter IEDs.”
In 2023, the Somali army reported 378 deaths and 451 injuries attributed to these devices, highlighting the enduring risks faced by both military personnel and civilians, according to the UN.
Since 2020, the Somali army, with support from the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has shown an increasing ability to counter the threats posed by improvised explosive devices.
