(04-07-23) MOGADISHU – General Ahmed Aden Ali, the Commander of the Somali Land Forces, reiterated the need for a robust National Army during his visit to the TurkSom Army Training School and the 18th Battalion of Gorgor Commando, based in Mogadishu on Tuesday.
General Ali’s tour began at the training school in Turk-Som, where units of the National Army are currently receiving training. There, he urged the Somali government to double its efforts to build a potent military force. Major Bashir Omar Abdullahi, the Commander of the 18th Battalion of the Gorgor Commando, welcomed General Ali during his inspection of the Battalion Command.
In a meeting with officers from the 18th Battalion of the Eagle Commando, General Ali emphasised the importance of steadfastly fulfilling their national duty. This call came as Somalia commences the second phase of its mission to cleanse the country of the extremist group. of Al-Shabaab
General Ali’s call to duty comes at a crucial time when the Somali Security Forces have completed Phase One of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) drawdown, assuming responsibilities from 2000 ATMIS troops across five sectors. This pivotal transition highlights the Somali forces’ capacity and readiness to manage national security. With an outlined plan, Somalia anticipates a full takeover of all security responsibilities from ATMIS by December 2024, marking a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of long-term stability.
