By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
LOWER SHABELLE, 28 September 2026 — Somalia graduated a new class of Danab commandos in Lower Shabelle, on Monday as the government takes on greater responsibility for supporting the U.S.-trained elite force.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre presided over the graduation of the 12th class of the 16th Danab Brigade at the Shahid Major Hassan Tuure Military Training School.
Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somali National Army commander Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud and other senior military officers attended the ceremony.
Hamza urged the new commandos to take part in security operations while upholding the law and respecting civilians. He said cooperation among the military, government institutions and the public was essential to restoring stability.
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The defence minister called on the soldiers to serve with discipline and a sense of responsibility, while the army commander said their training had prepared them for demanding military duties.
During the ceremony, the graduates demonstrated skills they had acquired during their training.
Danab, an elite unit of the Somali National Army, has received U.S. training, equipment and logistical support. The Somali government has said it has taken over some responsibility for supporting the force.
The United States previously ended supplementary payments to Danab soldiers.