Dhusamareb, Somalia – The President of Galmudug State, Ahmed Abdi Karie Qoorqoor, on Tuesday presided over the graduation ceremony of a new unit of Galayr, the regional state’s special forces, in the capital Dhusamareb.
The latest batch of soldiers completed months of rigorous training designed to enhance Galmudug’s security capacity amid ongoing threats from Al-Shabaab militants operating in central Somalia. The training focused on advanced combat skills, counter-insurgency tactics, intelligence gathering, and coordination with national and allied security forces.
President Qoorqoor praised the troops for their discipline and resilience, stressing the importance of their role in safeguarding towns, key infrastructure, and rural communities vulnerable to insurgent attacks. He noted that the Galayr forces have become a critical part of Galmudug’s defense strategy and contribute to the broader national security framework.
Security experts say the deployment of these new soldiers is expected to strengthen operations in Galmudug, particularly in districts bordering Hirshabelle and South West States, where militants often attempt to regroup and launch attacks.
The graduation marks the latest in a series of regional initiatives aimed at reinforcing Somalia’s security institutions ahead of the planned drawdown of international peacekeeping forces. For residents of Dhusamareb, the ceremony was not only a show of force but also a signal of the government’s commitment to stabilizing the region and building trust with local communities.
With the addition of the newly trained Galayr forces, Galmudug leaders expressed confidence in their ability to push forward stabilization efforts and improve coordination with the Somali National Army in the fight against extremism.