Somalia requests end of UN mission as Shabab attacks surge

Somalia has asked the UN to terminate its mission in the war-stricken country as attacks by Al-Qaida-linked Shabab militants.

Somalia has sent a letter to UN chief Antonio Guterres expressing the government’s wish to end the mission of the UN, which has been operating in the country since 1993.

The current mandate of the UN mission, known as UNSOM, expires on October 31.

The request to terminate the mission came at a context marked by the surge in attacks by Al-Shabab, prompting international support for the government.

The US announced plans to build up to five military bases for the Somali army, aiming to strengthen its capacity to combat threats posed by the extremist group.