Thursday May 14, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somali commandos freed nine civilians from al-Shabab captivity during a military operation in the Middle Shabelle region, the Ministry of Defense said Wednesday. According to the ministry, Danab special forces launched the planned raid Tuesday night in Gambole, where they killed five al-Shabab fighters, among them a local commander. The Defense Ministry said the civilians had been held hostage by the militant group. It did not immediately provide further details on their…

U.S. halts support for Somalia’s elite Danab commandos, raising alarm as AU forces prepare to leave MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States has suspended its support for Somalia’s elite Danab special forces, reliable sources told Axadle on Monday, a move that could reshape the fragile security balance as African Union troops prepare to withdraw next year. The decision, described to journalists by sources who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the subject, follows growing U.S. concerns about “accountability…

SNA commandos capture Al-Shabaab bases in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 14 Al-Shabaab bases captured by Somali National Army Commandos commonly referred to as Danab's special forces, state media reported, as part of the ongoing crackdown on militants who control large rural areas of central and southern Somalia. Over the past seven months, the Somali National Army has carried out…