(05-06-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – President Ali Gudlawe Hussein of HirShabelle State on Tuesday met with US embassy representatives in Jowhar to finalise the establishment of a new military base for US-trained Danab forces. The base will be built on land officially transferred by President Gudlawe to the US during the meeting.
This move aims to strengthen the fight against the Al-Shabaab extremist group. The US embassy officials expressed their appreciation for President Gudlawe’s support and confirmed that construction of the military camp will begin immediately. This aligns with the broader US strategy to bolster military capabilities within Somalia, following a February agreement to establish five such bases across the country’s federal member states.
The largest existing US base in Somalia is at Balidogle airport, used to train Danab forces of the Somali National Army. The expansion of the US military presence is part of a concerted effort to stabilise the region and support Somali forces in their ongoing battle against insurgent groups who still control parts of the country.
Halqabsi News