Hiiraan Online
Thursday, January 21, 2016
MOGADISHU (HOL) – At an army academy in Mogadishu, fresh Somali commando graduates march before an audience including Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who watched his men demonstrating their skills from months of intense training on how to conduct a cordon-and-search.
The new unit, the third of its kind is charged with fighting militants at its highest level in a country which faces a deadly guerrilla war by the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabab group.
Trained by the UAE, the small combat unit were trained with various tactical skills important to deal with the security challenges in the country.
“We are waiting for your services and help the country in eliminating terrorists.” Mr. Mohamud told the graduates.
“We were impressed by your wonderful training which boosted the confidence we have in you.” He said proudly.
Somali President along with his Prime Minister and UAE Ambassador to Somalia at the graduation ceremony
For the graduates, patriotism fervor drives their enthusiasm, that all have a waiting list: Do or die, a reference for defeating Al-Shabab which by the same token graduates new fighters each year.
“It’s going to be a mission that requires sacrifice and risk-taking, and we are ready for both.” Said Mohamed Hassan, one of the fresh graduates with an AK47 slung over his shoulder.
Once mighty, Somalia’s army destroyed by decades old conflict is rebuilding on the backdrop of the rising power of the Al-Shabab group which continue to carry out attacks across the country, a challenge they would have to overcome.
The conflict, one of the longest in history has left the horn of Africa nation’s entire infrastructure destroyed, forcing the government to start the whole lot from the scratch.