The Danab Receives Military Equipment from the U.S.

Photo By Staff Sgt. William Rosado | U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft loadmasters assigned to the 15th Airlift Squadron, unload pallets of military equipment for delivery to the Somali National Army in Mogadishu, Somalia, Feb. 28, 2023. The U.S. Government partners with the Danab, the Somali National Army's elite military force, to train, equip, and remote advise and assist in their operations against Al-Shabab, Al-Qaida's largest, wealthiest, and most violent affiliate.( (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman William Rio Rosado)  

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA

02.28.2023

Story by Airman 1st Class Rachel VanZale 

Special Operations Command Africa

U.S. Forces Deliver Military Equipment to the Danab
Airman First Class Rachel VanZale

Mogadishu, Somalia – As part of an effort to combat violent extremism and improve the quality of life of our partners in Somalia, personnel assigned to the 15th Airlift Squadron delivered military equipment to the Somali National Army (SNA) Danab in Mogadishu, Somalia, Feb.28, 2023.

There were several key leaders in attendance at the arrival of supplies including U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Timothy Trenkle, Minister of Defense to Somalia Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and Somali Chief of Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rageh.

“The arms and ammunition come from the United States in support of the Somali people who are engaged in a tremendously courageous fight against a horrendous terrorist organization,” said Trenkle. “This is a symbol of our support and it will help the SNA Danab, which is our partner force, in their training and also on the front lines against Al Shabab.”

The culmination of efforts resulted in a $1.25 million delivery of three hundred Avtomat Kalashnikov Model 1947 assault rifles, known as AK-47s, 24 Pulemot Kalashnikova Modernizirovannyi machine guns, also known as PKMs, along with training and live rounds to support this new equipment for the Danab.

“The weapons and ammunition received today from our U.S. partners will be used effectively to fight the enemy and we are thankful for this kind of support. This demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. government in supporting the Somali governments intent of eradicating Al-Shabab,” emphasized Nur. “Enhancing the capabilities of our forces is essential to our ongoing efforts.”

The United States is committed to supporting partners in combating violent extremists and malign actors in order to promote regional stability. This procurement of supplies is fundamental in enabling the SNA’s efforts against extremist organizations, furthering their partnership with the U.S. and protecting their citizens.

“On behalf of the leadership of the federal government of Somalia, and the Somali people, allow me to thank the people and the government of the United States for their unwavering support to ensure the peaceful and prosperous Somalia,” said Nur.

Trenkle also noted that the U.S. is not alone in their support of the Somali people. The African Union, the European Union, the U.K. and many other partners are part of the international effort against Al Shabab.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2023
• Date Posted: 03.05.2023 04:51
• Story ID: 439542
• Location: MOGADISHU, SO