Minister Fiqi Tours King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center in Jordan

AMMAN – Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has visited the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) in Jordan, one of the world’s most prominent specialised military training facilities, as part of his official visit to the Hashemite Kingdom to expand bilateral defence cooperation.

The minister was received at the centre by its Director General, Brigadier General Khuldoon Hussein Irshidaat. During the visit, Fiqi and KASOTC officials discussed opportunities to expand special forces training and explored how the Somali National Armed Forces could benefit from KASOTC’s expertise and training programmes to enhance the quality, skills and readiness of Somali forces, particularly in counter-terrorism and special operations.

A World-Class Training Facility

KASOTC, established in 2009 under the vision and guidance of King Abdullah II, serves as a global centre for training, cooperation and knowledge exchange in special operations, counter-terrorism and internal security. The facility combines cutting-edge training and support structures with highly qualified subject-matter experts, making it ideal for pre-deployment training, joint and combined military exercises, and enhancing the proficiency of unit requirements.

The centre provides training in counter-terrorism, special operations and irregular warfare tactics, techniques and procedures to special forces, military personnel, law enforcement and civilians from around the world. Located approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Amman, KASOTC is one of the world’s largest special forces training facilities of its kind.

Strengthening Somalia-Jordan Military Ties

The visit to KASOTC follows Minister Fiqi’s high-level talks with the Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Ahmed Al-Huneiti, at the General Command headquarters. The two sides reviewed regional and international developments, security challenges and prospects for closer cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces. They stressed the importance of continuing coordination across various military fields to strengthen capabilities and enhance security and stability in the region.

During the meeting, Fiqi received a briefing on the Jordan Armed Forces, including their training programmes and areas of cooperation that could support the capacity-building and development of the Somali National Armed Forces, particularly in counter-terrorism and the exchange of expertise. The Somali minister praised the role played by Jordan under the leadership of King Abdullah II and commended the advanced capabilities, efficiency and professionalism of the Jordan Armed Forces.

Building on a Growing Defence Partnership

The visit builds on a series of engagements that have underscored the strength of Somalia-Jordan relations. In April 2026, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali held talks with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to discuss regional developments and means of strengthening bilateral ties, emphasising the importance of expanding collaboration in critical sectors, including counter-terrorism, economic growth and investment.

In March 2026, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a telephone conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan to address the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, reaffirming Somalia’s unwavering solidarity with Jordan and expressing strong support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In July 2025, Somalia’s Chief of the Criminal Investigations Department participated in a regional security conference in Jordan, focusing on irregular migration and transnational organised crime. The conference brought together senior law enforcement officials from across the Middle East and Africa to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination.

Way Forward

Minister Fiqi’s visit to KASOTC reflects Somalia’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities through international partnerships and specialised training. As Somalia continues its intensified campaign against Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups, the expertise and training offered by KASOTC could play a significant role in enhancing the operational readiness and professionalism of the Somali National Armed Forces, particularly in special operations and counter-terrorism.

The meeting was attended by Somalia’s Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Habib Mousa Farah, and senior military officers from both countries.