The recent Al-Shabaab video provides a wealth of tactical information for concerned AU contingents in Somalia. If only they could utilize such intelligence appropriately. Did the Kenyan AU contingent study the attack on the Ugandan AU base last year? It offered insights that could have helped them prepare appropriate counter measures. After analysing both instances, on the Ugandan base on.one hand and the Kenyan contingent on the other, I realized that the insurgents used the exact same basic tactic. Their victory is primarily based on the surprise initial massive suicide blast. That gives them the military advantage specifically due to the confusing effects that the sudden blast has on relaxed AU soldiers. The subsequent terrorists assault is quite haphazard and uncoordinated. The militants don't take cover, and shoot aimlessly. I estimate they miss more than 98% of shots fired. They are so uncoordinated that I am sure those behind have actually shot their own comrades in front leading the attack. However Kenyan soldiers showed exceptional resistance and bravery under the same circumstances comparably. With some KDF officers standing up and preferring to be shot dead rather than captured. So if well prepared with appropriate counter measures, it is possible for AU forces in general to defend their bases, repulse assaults and immediately pursue the militants upto their hideouts. On the political front my position is that AU should complete it's mandated task as soon as possible and leave a peaceful Somali state being rebuilt and run primarily by Somali's themselves. From the Somali's perspective though, they and their families enjoy relative peace, but they are asking why do foreign forces seemingly plan to overstay their welcome? I am also amongst those supportive of Somalia's strife to join the East African Community as soon as is possible.
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