Somalia: Danab training base renamed after slain unit commander

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Danab Special Forces training base in Lower Shabelle has been renamed after a unit commander who was killed by Al-Shabaab militants last month following clashes with the government troops, in what marks the beginning of a major crackdown against the Al-Qaida linked group.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Wednesday led the ceremony at Balidogle Army training base which is partly manned by the US Africa Command, renaming it to Hassan Mohamed Osman alias Tuure, the commander who was credited for efficiently leading army operations.

Major Osman Tuure was one of the popular commanders of the Danab Special Forces who are trained by the United States. The US Africa Command has been training and equipping Danab forces with the aim of effectively helping Somalia to handle violent extremism which has derailed the economy of the country.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, the Commander of the Armed Forces and the US Ambassador to Somalia and other senior government figures attended the ceremony was held in conjunction with the graduating ceremony for Danab's 8th intake class, which will be joining other forces in Al-Shabaab war.

"From now on, this Danab facility has been renamed the Hassan Mohamed Osman Hassan Ture Training Academy," said Prime Minister Hamza, the Prime Minister who has been coordinating government operations in the country said in a statement.

The Prime Minister hailed the US for standing in solidarity with the country at the time " we need them the most". Besydes training the Danab Special forces, the US Africa Command has also been activating airstrikes in different parts of the country whenever the national army is pursuing Al-Shabaab militants.

Such airstrikes, he said, have been fundamental in helping the Somali National Army and allied forces to comb some of strategic towns across the country which have been liberated from the Al-Shabaab extortionists. The US has killed several Al-Shabaab militants in the process according to security forces.

GAROWE ONLINE