The Somali National Army’s special operations unit, known as the Danab or “Lightning Brigade,” participated for the first time in the multinational military exercise Justified Accord 2024. This exercise, which took place from February 26 to March 7 in Kenya, is the largest of its kind in East Africa. Organized by the U.S. Africa Command, the exercise aims to enhance readiness, provide humanitarian assistance, and support crisis response efforts in alignment with UN and AU mandates.
The Danab unit, trained by U.S. and international military advisors, is known for its effectiveness in counterterrorism operations within Somalia. Their participation in Justified Accord 2024 (JA24) aimed to enhance their counterterrorism tactics and foster partnerships with nations sharing regional security interests. The exercise involved platoon-sized elements from several African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Djibouti, conducting various training operations at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Training Centre in Nanyuki, Kenya.
Somali 2nd Lt. Abdirahim Muse Mohamed, the platoon commander of the Somali Danab Special Forces, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative training opportunity provided by JA24. The exercise allowed the Danab forces to demonstrate their professionalism and learn from the experiences of other participating nations, particularly in urban operations, counter-improvised explosive devices, and counter-unmanned aerial systems.
The training culminated in a combined operation where multinational platoons, including Somali forces, conducted a mock village clearing exercise aimed at eliminating a violent extremist organization. This scenario was particularly relevant for the Danab forces, accustomed to combatting the al-Shabaab terrorist group in Somalia. The successful completion of the exercise highlighted the benefits of international military cooperation and provided valuable lessons for all participants.
Somali soldiers also received specialized instruction from U.S. Army 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade and the British Army’s 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade, enhancing their operational capabilities and understanding of peacekeeping activities. The participation of the Danab forces in JA24 was seen as a milestone for Somali military engagement abroad and an essential step toward contributing to and learning from global counterterrorism efforts.
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