Somalia: Danab Forces return to Kismayo after training in Balligodle

KISMAYO, Somalia - Several units of Danab Special Forces returned to Kismayo, the regional administrative capital of Jubaland, months after their unprecedented exit, which came days after a US outpost was raided by Al-Shabaab militants 50 KM West of Kismayo in Janaa Abdalla.

The militants killed three members of the Danab Special Forces besides injuring a US serviceman, something which could have triggered the exit, further derailing the first against the militants. The Danab Special Forces have been instrumental in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

And on Tuesday, the troops were pictured returning to Kismayo, a town which is under the defense of Kenyan forces, who captured it from Al-Shabaab in 2012. The KDF team works closely with the Jubaland administration, something which has caused discomfort among top government officials.

The forces had received training from the US Africa Command in Balligodle Airfield which is found in Lower Shabelle, a notorious base of the Al-Shabaab militants. The US has been training the Danab forces with the hope that they will take over security responsibilities when foreign troops leave next year.

But already, the US has expressed intentions of withdrawing her troops from early next year following an order by the outgoing President Donald Trump. The decision has triggered resistance from Somali politicians including those in government, who believe that the exit could erode gains made so far.

AFRICOM’s deputy director of operations Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos told the Military Times that the rate of absorption of those training for the Danab team has reduced after the Federal Government of Somalia failed to get "appropriate candidates". The intake has slowed down in recent weeks.

Usually, the US Africa Command team gives both the Danab Special Forces and troops from the African Union Mission Forces aerial surveillance and at times, they raid the hideouts of Al-Shabaab. Since the beginning of the year, there have been close to 46 airstrikes which have left many terrorists dead.

Kismayo is regarded as an unfriendly territory for President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo who has been at loggerheads with President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, the regional leader with backing from Kenya. Madobe is considered by Nairobi as a "true ally" in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE