MOGADISHU, Somalia – Reliable sources have confirmed to Horn Life, that the United States has suspended its support to Somalia’s elite Danab Special Forces, a highly trained commando unit within the Somali National Army that has long received training, equipment, and mentorship from Washington.
According to the sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, the suspension is linked to growing concerns over accountability, transparency, and coordination within Somalia’s wider security sector.
This decision comes on the heels of a previous U.S. move to freeze funding for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), now referred to as the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Both missions have played a central role in stabilizing Somalia and countering the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
The Danab commandos have often been hailed as one of the country’s most effective counterterrorism units, spearheading major offensives against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions. Analysts warn that the loss of U.S. backing could have significant implications for Somalia’s fragile security gains.
Neither the U.S. government nor Somali federal authorities have issued an official statement on the matter. However, the development has triggered renewed concern about the sustainability of Somalia’s security transition, particularly as the country prepares for the complete withdrawal of ATMIS troops by the end of 2024.
With the handover of security responsibilities fast approaching, observers say the suspension underscores the urgency for Somalia to strengthen its institutions, improve military accountability, and ensure reliable partnerships with international allies.
