Somali soldiers graduate after intensive military programme conducted by Turkish experts

Somali soldiers, who were on a special military training conducted by Turkish experts, have graduated from the intensive programme.

During the graduation ceremony at the Türkiye-Somalia military training base (TÜRKSOM) headquarters in Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, the graduates conducted weaponry demonstrations and showcased the newly acquired defensive techniques.

The graduates are expected to be deployed within the Somali Armed Forces, primarily in counterterrorism and national security operations.

Senior military and civilian officials from Somalia and Türkiye attended the ceremony, including Somali Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Türkiye's Ambassador to Mogadishu Alper Aktaş, Somali Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Odawa Yusuf Rage, and Commander of the Somali Turkish Task Force Brigadier General Sebahattin Kalkan.

'New blood'

In his remarks, Brigadier General Kalkan said the graduating unit was the 20th Eagle Battalion trained at TÜRKSOM, adding that 19 battalions had previously been absorbed into the Somali Armed Forces.

Kalkan further said that the graduates would serve on the front lines in the fight against terrorism.

Chief of Staff Major General Yusuf Rage described the graduates as "new blood" for the Somali army and thanked the Defence Ministry and TÜRKSOM personnel for their support.

Defence Minister Fiqi said Somalia continues to face multiple security threats, with terrorism posing the most significant challenge.

Graduates urged to uphold oath

He also referred to what he described as new internal and external pressures on the country and lauded Türkiye's support for Somalia. Additionally, Fiqi urged the graduating soldiers to uphold their oath and carry out their duties.

The ceremony concluded with a parade by the graduates.

Türkiye continues to support the training and restructuring of the Somali Armed Forces through TÜRKSOM.

The Gorgor Commando Brigade, trained under the programme, is considered one of Somali army's most capable units, and is actively involved in operations against Al Shabab terrorists.