The Somali Ministry of Defense welcomes the joining of Egyptian forces to the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Mogadishu – The Somali Ministry of Defense announced the joining of Egyptian forces to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The ministry said in a statement: "The Ministry of Defense welcomes the successful completion of the first training of units from the Egyptian Armed Forces, which will soon join the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)."

The Ministry of Defense added in its statement: "This step confirms the Egyptian government's commitment to supporting Somali security and building the capabilities of the national army, through the new operational framework of the UNSOM mission."

The Somali Ministry of Defense expressed its deep appreciation for the role of the African Union and international partners in strengthening Somali security institutions, stating, "We also commend the important role they play in accelerating the war to eliminate the extremist groups Al-Shabaab and ISIS."

The African Union Peace and Security Council had previously approved the deployment of Egyptian government forces to the new African Union operation, and the Egyptian forces, scheduled to arrive in Somalia soon, are expected to operate in the Hiraan, Lower Shabelle, and Gedo regions.