US military equips Danab forces amid al-Shabaab crackdown
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The US military handed over armored vehicles to Danab’s special forces, which carried out operations against Al-Shabaab militants in central and southern Somalia, which ended earlier this week ahead of the next phase .
For years, the United States has been a crucial security partner in the fight against al-Shabaab, providing both logistical and monetary support in the process of rebuilding the Somali National Army. [SNA], who is supposed to take on the security responsibilities of foreign troops next year.
Tuesday’s donations were received by Defense Force Chief Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, who has coordinated a crackdown on Al-Shabaab in Middle and Lower Shabelle in recent months. He is one of the few military leaders to participate in a crackdown.
“US military officials in Somalia today handed over armored vehicles to the Somali National Army. SNA chief Odawa Yusuf thanked US officials for their support in the war on terror. These vehicles will be used by DANAB forces in their fight against terrorists. state media reported.
Danab’s special forces are trained by the United States and play a key role in the conduct of sophisticated operations against the al-Qaida-linked group. The United States has so far trained nearly 2,000 Danab forces in the process of rebuilding a strong army.
In January, the United States withdrew 700 troops from Somalia in what former President Donald Trump said was part of his “savings strategy.” However, the troops have been redeployed to Kenya and Djibouti, where the United States has a strong presence in terms of military prowess.
But last month, The New York Times reported that President Joe Biden made a special request to the Pentagon to consider deploying troops to Somalia. The request is being handled by the Ministry of Defense, which is currently sending special forces to Somalia.
As a precaution, the United States has already sent several troops to northeastern Kenya where they will work closely with the Kenya Defense Forces. The troops will help end the fight against Al-Shabaab, the DoD said in a statement.
Last month, the reorganized Somali National Army reportedly killed more than 300 Al-Shabaab militants, mostly in Lower Shabelle and parts of Middle Shabelle, according to the military. The operation has since been suspended but is expected to resume very soon.
Early yesterday [Tuesday], the Somali National Army captured the town of Ba’adweyn from Al-Shabaab militants more than three months after the team lost it. Al-Shabaab has been degraded considerably in recent months due to relentless military operations in the country.
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