Commander Initiates Danab Commando Training

MOGADISHU – The Acting Commander of the Somali National Army and Ground Forces, Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, has officially commenced specialized training for the 12th group of Danab Commandos at the Colonel Hassan Tuure Military Training School in Balidogle, Lower Shabelle region.

The Danab (Lightning) Commandos, often referred to as Somalia’s most capable special forces unit, have been at the forefront of the country’s counter-terrorism operations. Trained and equipped with support from the United States, they have conducted multiple high-intensity raids that have significantly degraded Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity. The elite unit has played a critical role in high-risk operations against militant strongholds across the country, including clearing rural strongholds in the Buurhakaba district of Bay region and securing vital transport routes.

Building on a Legacy of Professional Military Training

The commencement of the 12th Danab training cohort builds on a series of graduations and capacity-building initiatives at the Colonel Hassan Tuure Military Academy. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over a graduation ceremony for DANAB officers at the same academy, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of Somalia’s security forces in the fight against terrorism. The Chief of the National Armed Forces, General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, has also presided over graduation ceremonies of officer cadets at the Hassan Tuure Training Academy, who completed intensive commando programs described as a “milestone in the ongoing journey of building a stronger, more professional Somali National Army.”

The United States has conducted specialized training for Danab forces focusing on civilian protection and strict adherence to international humanitarian law, aiming to bolster the unit’s capacity to conduct effective counter-terrorism operations while minimizing harm to civilians and ensuring respect for human rights on the battlefield.

Danab Forces Remain Somalia’s Premier Counter-Terrorism Unit

Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, who has been at the forefront of advocating for the modernization of Somalia’s ground forces through advanced technology, represented the Federal Republic of Somalia at the African Land Forces Summit 2026 held in Rome, Italy, articulating Somalia’s evolving defense posture and highlighting how the integration of advanced drone technology is fundamentally reshaping the Somali National Army’s counter-terrorism operations.

General Omar has also formally seen off army units deploying to join ongoing nationwide operations aimed at eradicating terrorism, urging the forces to remain vigilant in protecting civilians and emphasizing their responsibility to safeguard communities and provide support to vulnerable populations during military operations. He has actively conducted frontline assessments in liberated zones, reinforcing troop morale and accelerating the offensive tempo against remaining militant networks.

Expanding Military Infrastructure for Long-Term Security

The federal government has been steadily expanding military infrastructure to enhance the operational readiness of Somali forces. The Danab Special Forces base in Dhusamareb has approached completion, expected to significantly boost the operational capabilities and readiness of the Danab forces and the Somali National Army overall. This investment in military infrastructure is part of a broader federal strategy to enable Somali forces to project power more effectively into central and southern regions still affected by insurgent activity.

Just weeks ago, Danab Commandos freed nine civilians and killed five Al-Shabaab militants, including a local commander, during a pre-dawn operation in the Gambole district of Middle Shabelle region. The unit also conducted a successful air-supported operation against Al-Shabaab militants in Maqooqaha, Lower Juba region, targeting a key terrorist command center.

The commencement of training for the 12th group of Danab Commandos underscores the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to professionalizing Somalia’s national security forces and building a self-reliant military capable of securing the nation without permanent foreign troop presence. Military officials expressed confidence that the new cohort will strengthen command structures and help sustain the momentum of ongoing operations against extremist groups.