UK trains more SNA soldiers as Al-Shabaab war intensifies in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Kingdom has intensified training of the Somali National Army [SNA] within Baidoa, the regional administrative capital of Southwest, ahead of the planned exit of African Union Mission Forces [AMISOM] from the Horn of Africa nation.

Upon full implementation of the Somali Transition Plan [STP], the AMISOM troops are expected to leave the country, handing over security responsibilities to Somali National Army. The plan is expected to be implemented by the end of 2021

And in solidarity with Somalia, the UK is now targeting 600 more soldiers, who will join the elite squad that mainly focuses on the fight against Al-Shabaab. Britain, the US, and Turkey are some of the foreign countries training the SNA troops, which have been undergoing reconstitution since 1991.

According to a statement from the UK embassy in Mogadishu, the British army is reinforcing its support to SNA through three different training programs to deliver effective operations and promote long-term stability.

While making reference to the ongoing training in Baidoa, Kate Foster, the United Kingdom's ambassador to Somalia, said the training will be instrumental in building the forces’ capacity to tackle security challenges in the country.

“The UK is helping to develop a strong professional army to help promote long-term peace and conduct effective operations in the region to counter Al-Shabaab,” ambassador Foster said.

“We are proud to be supporting Somalia to strengthen its effort in this collective fight.”

The training covers a wide range of areas such as command and control, shooting, communications, countering improvised explosive devices [IEDs] and logistics, planning and executing operations.

Early this year, the British Army trained its 500th Somali soldier in essential infantry skills, underlining the UK’s commitment to Somalia’s long-term security, with plans to train five more companies comprising around 600 troops in 2021.

The UK Minister for Africa, James Duddridge MP, visited Somalia earlier in the year, announcing £1.6 million to counter the threat from roadside bombs, and a further £3.37 million for the Somali Security Forces engaged in joint operations with the African Union Mission to Somalia [AMISOM].

The US withdrew its soldiers from Somalia in January 2021 but it continues to train the Danab Special Forces who are also actively engaged in the Al-Shabaab war. Turkey trains Gor Gor troops who are often accused of engaging in the country's internal politics.

But generally, the Somali National Army is doing extremely well in the war against Al-Shabaab according to Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Odowa Yusuf Rageh. In the last week, the troops have managed to kill 77 Al-Shabaab militants in the Middle Shabelle region.

An army colonel Mohamed Abdiwahid was confirmed killed in the ongoing battle between the SNA and the militants in the southern region, according to Somalia's information minister Osman Abukar Dubbe.

GAROWE ONLINE