By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, Somalia, Sept. 10, 2026 (Dawan) Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised the country’s special forces, Gorgor, on Thursday and called on the troops to remain prepared for their national duties and the fight against al Shabaab, according to the presidency.
Mohamud, who is also commander-in-chief of the Somali armed forces, visited the headquarters of the first division of the Gorgor special forces of the Somali National Army in Mogadishu, the presidency said.
Units from the 21st Brigade were present during the visit after recently completing advanced training.
The president received briefings from commanders and officers and inspected command offices, troop accommodation, a division hospital and logistics facilities. He also reviewed the overall condition of the facilities, services available to troops and the unit’s operational readiness.
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Mohamud praised the Gorgor forces for their role in defending Somalia and fighting al Shabaab militants, and instructed them to prepare for their constitutional responsibilities and work towards a Somalia free of militants, the presidency said.
The president also thanked Türkiye for its continued support for rebuilding, training and upgrading the Somali National Army, particularly the Gorgor special forces.
Gorgor, meaning “Eagle” in Somali, is an elite formation of the Somali National Army established in 2017 as part of Somalia’s military cooperation with Türkiye. Its troops have received training at the Turkish-run TURKSOM military facility in Mogadishu and in Türkiye, and have been deployed in operations against al Shabaab.
A new batch of troops from the Gorgor 21st Brigade completed advanced training in Türkiye in August, as Somalia seeks to strengthen its armed forces and assume greater responsibility for national security.