Thursday May 8, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali Ministry of Defense on Wednesday received a new shipment of U.S.-supplied military equipment to support the Somali National Army (SNA), particularly its elite Danab commando unit, in ongoing operations against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabaab.
The handover ceremony, held in Mogadishu, was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley and senior Somali army officials. The newly delivered equipment is expected to boost the Danab unit's operational capacity and enhance the SNA's broader ability to counter Somalia's complex security threats.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defense welcomed the support as a timely boost to national counterterrorism efforts.
"The Ministry particularly welcomes the support of the equipment that was handed over today to the Danab Commando Forces, which will significantly enhance their operational skills in combating terrorism, and help increase the capacity of the National Army in responding to the country's security challenges," the ministry said.
The delivery comes days after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with General Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), to discuss strengthening military cooperation. That meeting focused on accelerating joint counterterrorism operations and improving coordination under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) framework.
The United States and Somalia maintain a longstanding security partnership, primarily focused on combating al-Shabaab and reinforcing regional stability in the Horn of Africa. U.S. support includes training, logistical aid, and intelligence sharing to bolster Somali-led efforts to reclaim areas still under militant control.
The Danab special forces unit, trained and equipped in partnership with the United States, has been central to recent Somali government offensives aimed at liberating territory from extremist control.