Somalia Graduates U.S.-Trained Danab Commandos as Mogadishu Readies New Offensive Against al-Shabaab
Somalia has graduated a new batch of U.S.-trained Danab Special Forces at Balli-doogle military base as the government prepares for a renewed offensive against al-Shabaab. The ceremony came as AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Somalia while stressing that the country’s long-term security depends on Somali leadership and governance.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Somalia has graduated a new batch of elite U.S.-trained Danab Special Forces as the federal government prepares for a fresh military offensive against al-Shabaab, reinforcing one of the country’s most effective counterterrorism units amid renewed efforts to reclaim territory from the militant group.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Balli-doogle military base in Lower Shabelle and attended by Somali National Army Commander Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmud, First Instance Military Court Chairman Col. Hassan Ali Nur Shuute, senior Somali military officers, and U.S. military officials, including Balli-doogle base commander Maj. Robert Zimmerman.
The newly trained commandos demonstrated advanced tactical skills, coordinated assault operations and combat readiness following months of intensive military training before officially joining the Danab Brigade.
Addressing the graduates, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim praised the soldiers for completing the demanding programme and urged them to serve Somalia with professionalism, discipline and respect for the law.
He described the Danab Brigade as a critical pillar of Somalia’s campaign against al-Shabaab and stressed that military operations must continue to protect civilians while adhering to international humanitarian standards.
The graduation comes as Somali authorities prepare a renewed offensive against al-Shabaab following recent setbacks that allowed the group to regain influence in parts of central and southern Somalia.
The Danab Brigade, established with U.S. support, has become one of Somalia’s most capable fighting forces and has spearheaded many of the country’s most successful counterterrorism operations.
The ceremony also follows a recent visit to Mogadishu by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson, who reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Somalia while emphasizing that long-term security ultimately depends on Somali leadership.
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“The United States has not turned its back on Somalia. We’ve invested here for years and helped build the Danab Brigade, one of Africa’s most capable counterterrorism forces,” Anderson said.
He noted that the responsibility for sustaining and effectively employing the elite force now rests with Somalia.
“That force has now been built. The responsibility for sustaining and employing it effectively belongs to Somalia,” he said.
Anderson warned that continued political divisions could undermine military gains, saying territory previously cleared by Somali forces had later been lost because attention shifted away from counterterrorism operations.
He also stressed that military success alone would not defeat al-Shabaab, arguing that lasting stability requires effective governance, justice, public services and economic development in areas liberated from militant control.
The AFRICOM commander said the United States remains committed to supporting Somalia’s fight against terrorism but indicated future assistance would depend on continued progress and a sustained commitment by Somali authorities to lead the campaign.
With a newly trained class of Danab commandos entering active service, Somali officials hope the elite force will play a central role in the next phase of operations against al-Shabaab as Mogadishu seeks to regain momentum in its long-running campaign to restore security across the country.
About the Author
Aden Warsame is a Senior Reporter at Somali Report, covering politics, security, diplomacy, business, and regional affairs across Somalia and the Horn of Africa.