U.S. Africa Command Forces conduct back-to-back periodic engagements in Somalia

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Zoe Russell | U.S. forces conduct ground warfare training with the Danab Brigade in Somalia, March 31, 2021. Special Operations Command Africa remains engaged with partner forces in Somalia using air and ground assets in order to promote safety and stability across the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Zoe Russell)  

GERMANY

05.10.2021

Courtesy Story

Special Operations Command Africa

U.S. Africa Command forces conducted back-to-back engagements across multiple locations in Somalia during March and April, providing training and operational support to partners in the region.

“We are still engaged with our Somali partners who continue to fight al-Shabaab,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Special Operations Command – Africa commander. “Al-Shabaab seeks to do all of us harm as shown during recent attacks on Somali civilian and military personnel. However, Somali forces continuously show their advancing capability, fighting back and repelling violent extremist organizations.”

During these engagements, U.S. forces provided combat-oriented training and operational planning.

Periodic engagements reinforce U.S. partnerships with regional partners, to include the Somali National Army Danab forces and the African Union Mission to Somalia. The partnerships and training that stem from these engagements promote continued counter-terrorism operations against violent extremist who seek to attack civilians in the region and abroad.

“The United States’ engagements in Somalia with Danab forces strengthen our bonds of trust and partnership,” said Somali National Army Capt. Hassan, the acting Danab brigade commander. “The engagements offer a valuable opportunity to improve our ability to work together to defeat al-Shabaab.”

U.S. Africa Command operations in the region promote a peaceful and stable Somalia. Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to U.S. and regional interests.

• Date Taken: 05.10.2021
• Date Posted: 05.10.2021 09:25
• Story ID: 396001
• Location: DE