On the front lines of Somalia’s battle against al-Shabaab, Somali soldiers remain committed to securing their country’s future — and they are not alone.
Somali Sgt. Mubaarak Abdi Mohamed and Sgt. Hussein Dahir Muhammad, infantrymen with the Somali National Army (SNA), trained alongside U.S. Army Soldiers at Justified Accord 2025, a multinational exercise led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa. The exercise is designed to strengthen multinational partnerships, enhance interoperability, and improve regional security capabilities.
Forging Stronger Alliances
Alongside Somali soldiers in Kenya, paratroopers with Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade are helping improve partner force readiness. The exercise, hosted by Kenya, brings together 15 nations, including regional partners such as the Kenya Defence Forces and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, to sharpen crisis response and security cooperation efforts.
The 173rd Airborne Brigade, stationed in Vicenza, Italy, regularly participates in training exercises across Africa to support joint force readiness and multinational collaboration. In Kenya, they are working closely with the Somali Danab Brigade, a special operations unit, to refine tactical proficiency, leadership development, and joint operational coordination—essential skills for maintaining security in the region.
Enhancing Tactical Capabilities
For Somali forces, the ability to conduct precision operations and respond effectively to security threats is a key focus of the training. Joint exercises provide valuable opportunities to exchange best practices, improving operational effectiveness in complex environments.
“I came here to work for my country and to help my people,” said Sgt. Mubaarak.
Similarly, Sgt. Hussein Dahir Muhammad has witnessed firsthand the devastation al-Shabaab has inflicted on Somali communities.
“Al-Shabaab is terrorism,” he said. “They don’t know brotherhood, and they’re always killing civilians. Terrorism has destroyed our country. That’s why I’m here—to defeat the enemy of my country.”
A United Front Against Threats
While Somalia continues its fight against terrorism, exercises like Justified Accord 2025 allow Somali Danab forces to train alongside international partners, enhancing their capabilities through scenario-based drills and multinational coordination.
As part of the exercise, forces from Europe, Africa, and North America will participate in a culminating field training scenario focused on crisis response and multinational cooperation. Training includes urban operations, joint maneuver tactics, and security force coordination—critical skills for ensuring stability in East Africa.
“They [the U.S.] always give us their precious time,” said Sgt. Hussein Dahir Muhammad. “It is nice.”
Running from Feb. 10–21, Justified Accord 2025 reaffirms the commitment of U.S. and allied forces to supporting regional partners, ensuring a safer and more secure future for Somalia and East Africa.
