Beletweyne, 1 June 2026 – Thirteen African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troops in Sector 4 have completed a two-week Micro Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MUAS) training in Beletweyne, Hirshabelle State.
Participants included officers from Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) and Djibouti National Defence Forces (DNDF) serving under AUSSOM in Beletweyne, Bula Burde and Dhusamareb.
Facilitated by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Field Technology Section (FTS), the training aimed to strengthen operational readiness, improve information-gathering and support implementation of the AUSSOM mandate through enhanced aerial surveillance and real-time situational awareness.
The course covered drone assembly and maintenance, flight planning, safety procedures, airspace management, mission preparation, surveillance and reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and data collection. Participants undertook practical field exercises in drone operations, topographical interpretation, as well as and day and night aerial surveillance.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, AUSSOM Sector 4 Commander urged participants to apply their new skills in support of peace and security efforts in Somalia.
“These days, drones have become a very important tool in theatres of operation. I hope you have acquired all the necessary information on drones, and you have internalised them for use once you are back to your areas of operations. The units that you came from must benefit from the knowledge you acquired here,” said Col. Abdirahman Rayale. He noted that contemporary Peace Support Operations require personnel who can leverage technology to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
Lt. Jamal Hussein described the training as timely and relevant to their duties.
“This training has equipped us with practical skills in drone operations, surveillance and mission planning. The knowledge gained will help us perform our duties more effectively and improve our ability to collect information that supports our mission,” he said.
Lt. Yalew Mersha affirmed that the training provided valuable hands-on experience.
“We now know how to effectively operate and maintain a security surveillance drone. These skills will enhance our ability to support operations and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in our sector and Somalia in general,” he attested.
United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) Head of Office in Hirshabelle, Mr. Benjamin Jonah, thanked UNSOS for supporting the training, which covered many phases including airspace management.
“It is not only the contingent here in Sector 4 that will benefit as this is a very modern way for the troops to have sophisticated surveillance skills and improve security,” he said.
UNSOS Regional Administration Officer and Acting Head of Office in Beletweyne, Mr. Ali Sartaj urged participants to apply the skills acquired in their current assignments and future careers.
Drone technology has become an important force multiplier in Somalia’s complex security environment, enabling peace support forces to monitor vast areas, detect threats, improve force protection, and gather critical information while minimizing risks to personnel.
AUSSOM remains committed to strengthening personnel capabilities to support peace, security and stabilization in Somalia.
