The British army has deployed a team to Somalia as part of a United Nations mission to counter Islamist militants following a commitment by UK Prime Minister David Cameron at the UN in New York in September.
An advance party of about 10 soldiers from Force Troop Command, 1 Div and Field Army training will support African Union peacekeeping efforts against Somalia-based terror group al-Shabab group.
Eventually, around 70 personnel will be in the country carrying out medical, logistical and engineering duties.
Al-Shabaab is battling Somalia’s government for control of the country.
The gourp has carried out a string of attacks, including in neighbouring Kenya, and is believed to have between 7,000 and 9,000 fighters.
Announcing the arrival of the team in Somalia, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “This deployment is another demonstration of the flexibility and global reach of our armed forces.”
It showed the UK’s “determination to tackle terrorism wherever it rears its head”, he added.
The Ministry of Defence said the UK military’s contribution to UN peacekeeping reflects a long history of supporting the organisation, including a lasting presence in Cyprus.
