DHUSAMAREB: The Commander of the Somali National Army, Major General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, has toured the nearly completed Danab Special Forces base in Dhusamareb, as the federal government accelerates efforts to strengthen counter‑terrorism capabilities in central Somalia. The new facility is expected to significantly enhance the operational readiness and mobility of the elite unit, one of the most effective forces in the ongoing campaign against Al‑Shabaab.
The army chief was received by senior officers led by Colonel Mohamed Bashir Sheikh Aligood Barqadle, Commander of the 163rd Battalion of the 16th Danab Brigade. During the inspection, General Mahmoud received briefings from project officers on the final stages of construction and on current activities at the camp. Construction supervisors confirmed that the project has entered its final phase and is anticipated to be officially completed soon.
Addressing troops from the 163rd Battalion, General Mahmoud urged them to intensify operations against Al‑Shabaab while maintaining their strong commitment to national defence. He commended the soldiers for their sacrifices, bravery, and sustained alertness in countering security threats on the frontlines. “The new military installation will significantly boost the operational capabilities and readiness of the Danab forces and the Somali National Army overall,” the commander said, reiterating the Federal Government’s dedication to supporting and fortifying the nation’s military.
The Danab Special Forces, trained and equipped with support from the United States, have been at the forefront of Somalia’s counter‑terrorism operations. The unit has conducted multiple high‑intensity raids that have degraded Al‑Shabaab’s operational capacity, including a recent overnight operation in Lower Shabelle that killed 25 militants. The 165th Unit of the Danab Commandos has also carried out operations in the Buurhakaba district of Bay region, clearing rural strongholds and securing vital transport routes.
The completion of the Dhusamareb base is part of a broader federal investment in rebuilding Somalia’s military infrastructure as authorities gradually assume greater security responsibilities ahead of the drawdown of African Union peacekeeping forces. Somalia’s military leadership and the African Union mission have agreed to expedite the Security Transition Plan to ensure that the reduction of external troops does not create vulnerabilities that insurgents could exploit.
General Mahmoud has been actively assessing frontlines and boosting troop morale. He recently promoted soldiers who successfully reopened the vital Mogadishu‑Baidoa road, which had been under militant blockade for over a decade. The Dhusamareb base represents another concrete step in expanding military infrastructure across federal member states, enabling Somali forces to project power more effectively into central and southern regions still affected by insurgent activity.
The visit also coincides with increased cooperation between the federal government and international partners to strengthen Somali security institutions. The Danab forces continue to receive technical support and intelligence assistance from the United States and other allies, reflecting sustained international commitment to building a self‑reliant Somali military capable of securing the nation without permanent foreign troop presence.
Recommended Reading on ftlsomalia.com:
- Danab Commandos Kill 25 Al‑Shabaab Fighters In Lower Shabelle
- Danab Commandos Launch Security Operations In Bay Region
- Somalia, African Union Mission Fast‑Track Security Transition
- Army Commander Promotes Troops Following Mogadishu‑Baidoa Road Reopening
- Military Chief Visits Baidoa To Intensify Al‑Shabaab Offensive
- From Sanctions List To Financial Collapse: How Somalia Is Crippling Al‑Shabaab’s War Chest
