Somalia: Hassan Sheikh hosts Danab commandos after taking part in Justified Accord exercise

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Danab commandos were hosted by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Presidential Palace, following their participation in the US army-sponsored Justified Accord exercise in Nairobi, which lasted for seven days.

The defence team was led by Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamud Nur, who has been the pillar behind massive reforms within the Somali National Army (SNA). The national troops are expected to take over security responsibilities from foreign soldiers later this year.

In his remarks, Hassan Sheikh hailed the military for dedication and commitment to serve Somalia, while revealing that the Joint Justified Accord exercise was beneficial to the Somali military following a positive report by trainers.

"Somalia needs everything, but the most crucial aspect is to build a positive reputation, considering the prolonged challenges of terrorism and other issues," the president said while lauding the military for its efficiency in protecting the country.

"I urge you to continue working towards the liberation of our country and to take responsibility for accelerating progress in overcoming these challenges," President Mohamud emphasized, adding that he's confident the country will regain stability.

Dozens of US-trained Somali Danab commandos participated in the exercise, which involved 1,000 personnel and units from 23 nations. The US military described Justified Accord as its "largest exercise in East Africa."

The US is the major facilitator of Danab commandos, who are trained and equipped by Washington DC. In return, the Danab Special Forces have managed to secure several parts of the country from the Al-Shabaab militants, who control large swathes of rural central and southern regions.

United States recently announced plans to construct five military bases in Somalia for the Danab commandos, as part of the military partnership between the two countries.

Al-Shabaab group has lost significant fronts in Somalia following a military operation spearheaded by the US Africa Command and African Union troops.

GAROWE ONLINE