Sunday January 8, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - The US donated $9 million in weapons, vehicles, medical supplies and other equipment to the Somali National Army on Sunday in a handover ceremony attended by US Ambassador Larry Andre, Somali Minister of Defence Abdulkadir Mohamud Nur and SNA Chief Brigadier General Odowaa Yusuf Rage.
Along with heavy weapons, the US has sent construction equipment and bomb disposal kits.
The Somali military said that most of the supplies have already been sent o the front lines of the anti-Shabaab offensive in Hirshabelle and Galmudug.
“We cheer the success of Somali security forces in their historic fight to liberate Somali communities suffering under al-Shabaab,” said Ambassador André. “This is a Somali-led and Somali-fought campaign. The United States reaffirms our commitment to support your effort.”
Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama thanked the United States, saying, “Allow me to convey the appreciation of the Federal Government of Somalia to the Government of the United States of America for the continued support to Somalia’s peacebuilding process and the support for the fight against terrorism. This support comes at a critical time for our forces as we boost their capabilities to combat al-Shabaab.”
The weapons -including light and heavy machine guns - will support SNA-Danab battalions currently participating in operations in Hirshabelle and Galmudug.
The weapons are marked and registered pursuant to the Federal Government of Somalia’s Weapons and Ammunition Management policy and will significantly increase the lethality and mobility of the SNA-Danab units participating in these operations.