Sam Okiding, commander of the force, said that Atmis plans to completely withdraw from Somalia by the end of 2024.

According to various sources, about 2,000 Atmis soldiers were scheduled to leave Somali soil last June.

The highest authorities of the UN peacekeeping agency, which supports the Somali Army in the confrontation against the extremist group Al-Shabab, confirmed that they are working closely with the national government to ensure a smooth transfer of security responsibilities.

Atmis, mandated by the United Nations and implementing a Somali transition plan, replaced the former African Union Mission in Somalia, which also fought against extremist formations.

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