Somalia: US-Trained Commando Unit Members Suspended for Stealing US Rations; Government Takes Over Provisioning
Somalia's government suspended and detained members of the Danab commando unit, a US-trained elite force, for stealing US-donated rations.
The government is taking over responsibility for providing for the force.
The Danab unit has been crucial in US-backed efforts against Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab militants.
The US had agreed to build up to five military bases for Danab, investing over $100 million.
Somalia's Defense Ministry notified international partners of the theft and will share investigation results.
A US official acknowledged corruption accusations, expressing a commitment to working with Danab to prevent future incidents and ensure accountability.
No direct address was made regarding any US support suspension.
In 2017, the US pledged to help train and equip the Danab, a 3,000-strong Somali military force, to combat Al-Shabab insurgency.
Al-Shabab has been waging an insurgency against Somalia's central government since 2006.
Danab participated in a military offensive against Al-Shabab in central Somalia since 2022, initially gaining territory.
However, the campaign has since lost momentum, with government-allied forces struggling to hold rural areas and Al-Shabab continuing large-scale attacks, including in Mogadishu.
The US suspended some defense aid to Somalia in 2017 due to unaccounted food and fuel.
The US also conducts drone strikes against Al-Shabab militants.