Mogadishu, SONNA – May 8, 2025 – The Ministry of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia today received a consignment of military support equipment from the United States, presented by the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Ambassador Richard Riley. The equipment is designated for the Somali National Army (SNA).
The newly received military assets are intended to significantly enhance the skills and operational capabilities of the SNA’s elite Danab commando force. This support is expected to play a crucial role in ongoing operations aimed at liberating areas from the Al-Shabaab militant group, referred to as Khawarij, and improving the national army’s overall capacity to respond to the country’s diverse security challenges.
A statement released by the Ministry of Defense welcomed the timely support, specifically highlighting the equipment handed over to the Danab forces. “The Ministry particularly welcomes the support of the equipment that was handed over today to the Danab Commando Forces, which will significantly enhance their operational skills in combating terrorism, and help increase the capacity of the National Army in responding to the country’s security challenges,” the statement read.
The United States and Somalia maintain a robust military and security cooperation framework. This partnership is primarily focused on counter-terrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab and bolstering regional security initiatives in the Horn of Africa.