US military equips Danab Forces amid crackdown against Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States military has handed over armored vehicles to the Danab Special Forces, who have been leading operations against Al-Shabaab militants in Central and Southern Somalia, which were concluded early this week ahead of the next phase.

For years, the US has been a crucial security partner in the fight against Al-Shabaab, offering both logistical and monetary support, in the process of rebuilding the Somali National Army [SNA], which is supposed to take security responsibilities from foreign troops next year.

Tuesday's donations were received by Chief of Defense Forces General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, who has been coordinating a crackdown against Al-Shabaab in Middle and Lower Shabelle in recent months. He's one of the few military bosses to participate in a crackdown.

"US Military officials in Somalia have today handed over armored vehicles to the Somali National Army. SNA Chief, Odawa Yusuf thanked US officials for their support in the war against terrorism. These vehicles will be used by DANAB forces in their fight against terrorists," state media reported.

Danab Special Forces are trained by the US and are instrumental in leading sophisticated operations against the Al-Qaida linked group. The US has so far trained close to 2,000 Danab Forces in the process of rebuilding a strong military.

In January, the US withdrew 700 troops from Somalia in what former President Donald Trump said was part of his "cost-saving strategy". However, the troops were redeployed in Kenya and Djibouti, where the US has a strong presence in terms of military prowess.

But last month, New York Times reported that President Joe Biden has made a special request to Pentagon to consider deploying troops to Somalia. The request is being handled by the Department of Defense, which is now in the process of sending Special Forces to Somalia.

As a precaution, the US has already dispatched several troops to northeastern Kenya where they will work closely with the Kenya Defense Forces. The troops will help close in the fight against Al-Shabaab, DoD said in a statement.

Last month, the revamped Somali National Army reportedly killed over 300 Al-Shabaab militants mainly in Lower Shabelle and parts of Middle Shabelle according to the military. The operation has since been halted but it's due to resume very soon.

Early yesterday [Tuesday], the Somali National Army captured Ba'adweyn town from the Al-Shabaab militants over three months after the team lost it. Al-Shabaab has been significantly degraded in recent months due to unending military operations in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE