Somali Danab forces make history at Justified Accord 2024

NAIROBI, Kenya – Elite soldiers from Somalia made history at exercise Justified Accord 2024, taking part for their first ever mission abroad. A platoon-sized element joined over 20 other partner nations here, for U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, which ran from Feb. 26 - March 7.

The Somali Danab is a special operations unit within the Somali National Army, playing a crucial role in the nation's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and stabilize the region. Trained by U.S. and international military advisors, the Danab is recognized for its agility, precision and effectiveness in counterterrorism operations. Danab soldiers undergo rigorous training and receive specialized instruction in areas such as marksmanship, close-quarters combat and intelligence gathering.

The Danab’s role in advancing stability and security in Somalia, and the broader Horn of Africa region, serves as a backdrop for their participation in JA24. The purpose was to enhance their knowledge of counterterrorism tactics, while building partnerships with others who have a shared regional security concern.

JA24 is a multinational exercise which builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response.

“The Somali Dabab is very excited to participate in Justified Accord,” said Somali 2nd Lt. Abdirahim Muse Mohamed, platoon commander, Somali Danab Special Forces. “We appreciate all the training from the U.S., but now we can also train together here with other African countries.”

Somali soldiers from the Danab unit, dubbed the “Lightning Brigade,” joined platoon-sized elements from Kenya, Tanzania and Djibouti at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Training Centre in Nanyuki, Kenya. Throughout the two-week exercise, the Danab consistently demonstrated their professionalism, but also learned valuable lessons from fellow participants.

“The highlight for me was the interaction from different nations coming together and learning from each other,” said Mohamed. “There are aspects we need to learn, and aspects we like to teach. We also learned how things are in peacetime; we are very interested to know more.”

He shared that during the first week of JA24, each nation trained individually on urban operations, counter-improvised explosive devices and counter-unmanned aerial systems. Meanwhile, advisors from the U.S. Army 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade and the British Army’s 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade offered continual feedback and mentorship.

The second week combined the training between partner nations. By the culmination, three platoons featured 10 soldiers apiece from each country, with Mohamed as one of the platoon leaders. He expressed his excitement about this new role.

“It was my first time leading a multinational force,” he said.

Mohamed’s platoon was responsible for clearing a mock village which had been taken over by a violent extremist organization, according to the exercise scenario. Other platoons were responsible for providing support by fire, to enable easier movement of friendly forces. An additional platoon was tasked with arresting two high-value targets who had holed up inside one of the village’s buildings.

Both friendly and opposition forces donned their respective weaponry with blank-fire adapters. What ensued was a firefight with the VEO trying to hold their ground, but the village was cleared and the Kenya Defence Forces Military Police took the two HVTs away.

Mohamed shared that combining forces was one of the best parts of the exercise, and this ultimately led to a successful training event. Others agreed.

“I truly loved everything. I learned so much,” said Tanzanian Pvt. Hawa Jumaa, Tanzania Peoples Defence Force. “I was able to make contact with a [simulated] enemy and operate as part of an organization.”

U.K. and U.S. advisors watched the progression of each African partner nation over the course of the exercise.

“It’s a pretty significant event,” said U.S. Army Capt. Alex Roose, 2nd SFAB team leader. “Since the beginning of the exercise, we’ve seen the partner forces really grow in leaps and bounds.”

The exercise scenario was easily recognizable by members of the Somali Danab, which deal with al-Shabaab on a regular basis. Despite the constant real-world missions, the exercise proved beneficial for the Somali soldiers.

“We are here to exchange ideas and to also pick each other's brains from different nations, so I think that is the most important thing is to learn from each other and to have contacts and friends in all these nations here with us,” said Somali Warrant Officer Mubarak Abdi Mohamed.

The battle-hardened Danab was grateful to share their knowledge and skill with other partner nations at JA24, who readily accepted the instruction. Additionally, the Somalis expressed interest and excitement in participating in future exercises.

“I am proud we had knowledge to contribute,” said Somali Sgt. Ali Ibrahim Hussein, Somali Danab. “It is an honor to wear my home country's flag and we raise our flag high in all the nations that gather here for this program. This is a great opportunity for me and all those who come after me.”

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