Djiboutian AUSSOM battalion arrives in Beledweyne to take over security in Hiiraan

13th Battalion replaces 11th in routine rotation; elements deploy to Bulo Burde as command transfers at Ugaas Khalif Airport

Newly deployed Djiboutian troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia arrived Monday in Beledweyne to assume security responsibilities in parts of the Hiiraan region, including Beledweyne and Bulo Burde.

Beledweyne — Djiboutian forces serving with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) arrived Monday in Beledweyne to assume security duties in parts of the Hiiraan region in a scheduled troop rotation that also covers Bulo Burde.

The incoming 13th Battalion replaces the 11th Battalion, which completed its tour of duty in Beledweyne, Dhusamareb and Bulo Burde. The handover was conducted at Ugaas Khalif Airport, where the new unit’s commander, Col. Ahmed Aden Abdullahi, was received by the outgoing commander, Col. Mohamed Omar Said, alongside senior AUSSOM Djiboutian officers.

Following the formal transfer of command, elements of the 13th Battalion proceeded to Bulo Burde to reinforce operations there, while members of the departing 11th Battalion returned to Djibouti.

What is confirmed

• The 13th Battalion of Djiboutian forces under AUSSOM arrived in Beledweyne on Monday.
• The unit is taking over security responsibilities in parts of Hiiraan, including Beledweyne and Bulo Burde.
• The 13th Battalion replaces the 11th Battalion, which had operated in Beledweyne, Dhusamareb and Bulo Burde.
• The handover occurred at Ugaas Khalif Airport and is part of a routine rotation within the African Union mission.

Official response

Col. Ahmed Aden Abdullahi said his battalion is prepared to assume its responsibilities and continue close cooperation with Somali authorities and local communities to strengthen security in the region.

Col. Mohamed Omar Said urged the incoming troops to maintain the discipline and community engagement shown by the outgoing unit.

What is not yet known

• Number of incoming troops: Not provided.
• Duration of the 13th Battalion’s deployment: Not provided.
• Any adjustments to the unit’s area of responsibility beyond Beledweyne and Bulo Burde: Not provided.
• Timeline for the next rotation: Not provided.

Why it matters

Djibouti is among several countries contributing forces to AUSSOM, which supports Somali security forces in operations against al-Shabab and in stabilizing areas recovered from militant control. Djiboutian units have long been based in key towns including Beledweyne, Jalalaqsi and Bulo Burde, where they have assisted in counterinsurgency operations, protected strategic infrastructure and supported civilian protection initiatives. Regular rotations are intended to sustain operational tempo and continuity as joint Somali–AU efforts continue in central Somalia.

What happens next

With elements of the 13th Battalion now positioned in Bulo Burde and the rest established in Beledweyne, AUSSOM’s Djiboutian contingent is expected to continue joint security operations and community engagement alongside Somali authorities in Hiiraan. Members of the 11th Battalion have departed for Djibouti following the completion of their mission.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.

Tuesday March 17, 2026