Commander shake-up in U.S-trained Somali commando raises concerns of political interference and clan rivalry

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Commander shake-up in U.S-trained Somali commando raises concerns of political interference and clan rivalry

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The Danab Brigade, an elite U.S.-trained Somali commando force has been thrust into the spotlight once again, plagued by clan mistrust and political maneuvering following the removal of its commander and the installa

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Lieutenant Colonel Aidarus Mohamed Hussein (pictured centre), a member of the Habargedir/Sa'ad clan took over as Danab brigade commander.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The Danab Brigade, an elite U.S.-trained Somali commando force has been thrust into the spotlight once again, plagued by clan mistrust and political maneuvering following the removal of its commander and the installation of a new leader on Sunday.

The Chief of Staff of the Somali National Army, in a surprising move, relieved Commander Danab Ahmed Abdullahi Noor, commonly known as "Beeryare,” who hails from the Habargedir/Ayr clan. He was promptly replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Aidarus Mohamed Hussein, a member of the Habargedir/Sa’ad clan.

The abrupt change in command within the Danab forces has intensified existing tensions and suspicions, as the replacement commander has swiftly become associated with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mahad Salad.

Politicians and clan elders wasted no time in raising concerns over the reshuffling, viewing it as an attempt to exert control over the Danab force and exploit it for political and clan agendas.

Suspicions surrounding the leadership change have deepened since the untimely death of Major Hassan Mohamed Osman, affectionately known as Hassan Tuure. Major Tuure, the battle-tested deputy commander who led the Danab brigade to numerous victories in the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia, tragically fell victim to an Al-Shabaab twin car bombing in Galcad town on January 20 of this year.

The Danab Brigade, also known as the Lightning Brigade, stands as a vital component of the Somali National Army’s (SNA) counterinsurgency efforts. This commando force was established in 2014 with the support of the United States, aiming to enhance the capabilities of Somali security forces in combating extremist groups like Al-Shabaab.

The commandos have garnered acclaim for their successful operations, including the apprehension of senior Al-Shabaab leaders and the disruption of the group’s activities in southern Somalia.

However, the unit has not been immune to controversy. Stationed in three different locations: Baledogle, Kismayo, and Galkayo, each division is commanded by an officer hailing from influential clans, a factor that has historically raised suspicions among other clans and pushed the rival clans to the side.

In August 2016, the Danab forces, originating from Baledogle Airport and representing the Hawiye and Rahanweyn clans, briefly took control of the north Galkayo airport, triggering concerns from the Puntland regional administration. Puntland deployed its own troops to the airport, nearly resulting in an armed confrontation.

Tragically, in March of this year, Mohamed Aden Suleiman, a battalion commander within the Danab Brigade who received training in the United States, lost his life while engaged in combat in Laascaanood between the Dhulbahahte clan fighters and the Somaliland, a force dominated by the Isaq clanmen.

The recent leadership shake-up within the Danab Brigade underscores the challenges faced by Somalia in navigating clan dynamics and potential political interference within its security forces. As the country struggles with serious security challenges, the citizens’ hope to gain Somalia that can establish a cohesive and inclusive security apparatus that engenders trust seems yet unattainable.