The United States has donated 61 tons of weapons and ammunition to the Somali National Army (SNA) in support of their fight against Al-Shabaab in Galmadug and Jubaland States. The equipment arrived off two U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. The donation ceremony was attended by U.S. Embassy Mogadishu Chargé d’Affaires Tim Trinkle, Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, and Chief of Defense Forces Brigadier General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh.
The donation, which is marked and registered pursuant to the Federal Government of Somalia’s Weapons and Ammunition Management policy, will be given to the SNA Danab Advanced Infantry Brigade. This military assistance is part of the U.S. government’s commitment to its partnership with Somalia in the fight against terrorism.
“We are very proud to stand as partners with the Somali National Army and the Somali people in this fight. This ammunition will be provided to the SNA Danab, which is one of the many courageous forces fighting al-Shabaab,” said Chargé d’Affaires Tim Trinkle.
General Odawaa Yusuf, Commander of the Somali Armed Forces, expressed his gratitude to the United States government for the donation, stating that it will be the backbone of the fight against al-Shabaab.
“We are grateful to the U.S. government for the weapons and equipment we received today. The support will be critical in our fight against Khawarij Al-Shabaab,” said Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Abduqadir Mohamed Noor.
This donation follows an earlier contribution of $9 million in weapons, vehicles, medical supplies, and other equipment to the SNA in early January. The equipment was sent to Hirshabelle and Galmudug States to support the military offensive in the region. The Federal Government of Somalia conducts notification to the U.N. Security Council in close coordination with the Office of Security Cooperation of the U.S. Embassy Mogadishu by U.N. Security Council resolutions.
