Baledogle Military Airfield, Somalia. (November 13, 2024): The U.S. Army, along with its African counterparts, is helping the war-torn nation of Somalia build a professional military to combat the Al Qaida affiliated terrorist group Al Shabaab. In this photo by Sergeant Jose Albansantos, Captain Darryl Padgett greets a leader of the Somali National Army during a recent Somali National Army-Danab graduation ceremony. The Army is training members of the Somali Danab Brigade, or “Lightning Force,” an elite special operations force within the Somali National Army that specializes in urban warfare. The Al Shabaab terrorists are responsible for a reign of terror that has resulted in a famine that has killed millions.

The Danab Brigade was established in October 2013 with just 150 recruits and has grown to a several thousand-person brigade. Over the years, the unit has regularly conducted strikes that have crippled the Al Shabaab leadership and capabilities. The force has been particularly successful in recapturing territory previously held by the terrorist group.

Many of these operations are undertaken with the direct involvement of U.S. forces in a variety of support roles. U.S. troops have functioned as joint terminal attack controllers directing artillery or calling in air strikes. American assistance has been critical to providing close air support for Danab forces as they engage these terrorist groups while helping avoid civilian casualties.

Overall, the Danab commandos have proven to be a highly capable force. Recently, Denab commandos participated in Justified Accord 2024, a joint military exercise sponsored by the Southern European Task Force–Africa.