MOGADISHU, Somalia — A new batch of Turkish-trained Somali special forces from the elite Gorgor, or “Eagle,” unit graduated Wednesday after completing advanced military training in the capital, Mogadishu.
Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim presided over the graduation ceremony at the Turkish-run military training base, urging the newly trained soldiers to play a key role in the fight against Al Shabab group.
Moalim praised the Somali National Army’s leadership for ongoing efforts to strengthen the force’s capacity, professionalism and overall quality. He called on the graduates to defend the country against both internal and external threats.
He also urged the forces to take an active role in operations aimed at defeating terrorist groups and to uphold the responsibilities they swore to fulfill in order to ensure public security and national stability.
During the ceremony, the soldiers demonstrated skills acquired during their training, including weapons handling, combat tactics and self-defense techniques, showing their level of readiness and the quality of training, they received.
The ceremony was attended by senior Somali and Turkish military officials, including Somali army Commander Brig. Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rage and Turkish ambassador to Somalia.
