Somalia on Thursday graduated new units of its elite Gorgor Special Forces, concluding a military training program at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy as the government prepares to intensify operations against al-Shabab in southern regions.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi praised the Somali National Army’s command for the sustained efforts to strengthen the professionalism, capability and overall quality of the armed forces.

 

"The training reflects our continued focus on building a capable, disciplined and professional national army,” Fiqi said, urging the newly graduated troops to uphold their duty to defend Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

He called on the forces to play a decisive role in ongoing counterterrorism operations and to carry out their responsibilities with discipline and dedication to ensure the security of the Somali people and long-term national stability.

During the ceremony, the graduating soldiers demonstrated skills acquired during the training, including weapons handling, combat tactics and self-defense techniques, underscoring what officials said was a high level of readiness.

The event was attended by senior Somali and Turkish officials, including Somali National Army Commander Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Raage; Training and Doctrine Commander Col. Ahmed Issa Ahmed; TURKSOM Commander Gen. Sebahattin Kalkan; Türkiye’s ambassador to Somalia; and the commanders of Somalia’s air and naval forces.

TURKSOM, operated by Türkiye, has become a central pillar of Somalia’s military training efforts, producing thousands of soldiers since its establishment as part of Ankara’s broader security partnership with Mogadishu.

The graduation comes as Somali authorities prepare for expanded military operations against al-Shabab in Lower and Middle Shabelle, regions that remain key battlegrounds in the long-running insurgency. Government officials say strengthening elite units such as Gorgor is critical to sustaining pressure on the al-Qaida-linked group and reclaiming territory still under militant influence.

Al-Shabab continues to carry out attacks despite years of military campaigns supported by international partners, making force readiness and coordination a priority for Somalia’s security strategy.

SOURCE HIIRAN.COM