British Armed Forces personnel have arrived in Somalia to support a United Nations-backed mission in Africa, the Defence Secretary has announced.
“This deployment is another demonstration of the flexibility and global reach of our Armed Forces, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said.
The personnel, drawn from Force Troop Command, 1 Div and Field Army training will provide medical, logistical and engineering support as part of a wider UK commitment.
The deployment comes days after Somali British Abdul Nadir Mumin from South London announced defection from Alshabaab and pledge allegiance to Islamic state wing in Somalia.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced in September last year that his government will send troops to Somalia and South Sudan as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) pledge to double the number of UK troops on UN peacekeeping tasks from the 300 currently deployed.
The number of the Force Troop Command that now arrived in Mogadishu is said to be 10 but up to 70 UK personnel will be deployed to Somalia within this year to help in AMISOM troops fight against armed group Al Shabaab.
British government supports federal government of Somalia efforts to rebuild its national armed forces to strengthen security.
On February, UK minister for armed forces Penny Mordaut announced donation of 4.3 million in support of Somali National Army while in Mogadishu.
