23-03-23) Kismayo – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has deployed military vehicles to Jubaland, a region in southern Somalia, with the intent of opening a military base there. According to a statement from the Jubaland government, these vehicles will participate in the fight to liberate the region from the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
“The government of Jubaland has received military vehicles from our sisterly country, the government of the United Arab Emirates, which will participate in the war of liberation by the brave forces of Jubaland and the country’s forces in different areas of Jubaland,” said the statement from Jubaland.
This development marks a return to UAE’s direct involvement in the region’s security affairs, with the last significant military shipment being sent in 2017. The renewed commitment comes after the election of President Hassan in the country on May 15, which prompted the UAE to reassert its influence in the area.
Sources in Ksiamyo suggest that the UAE government plans to use the deployed military vehicles in the construction of a new military base in Jubaland. This base is expected to be owned and operated by the UAE, further solidifying its presence in the region.
In addition to the deployment of military vehicles and plans for the base, the UAE has reportedly taken control of the Kismayo airport, port, and a large area of land in Jubaland. These acquisitions are likely to facilitate the establishment and operation of the UAE’s