Somali National Army

Somali National Army
Unit name	Somali National Army
Native name	Ciidanka Xooga Dalka Soomaaliyeed
Founded	1960
Current form	2008
Headquarters	Mogadishu
Commander-in-chief	Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
Minister	Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur
Chief of staff	Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin Addow
Age	18
Active	~20,000 (2024 est.)
Foreign suppliers	United States • Turkey • European Union • United Arab Emirates
Battles	Ogaden War • Somali Civil War • War in Somalia (2006–2009) • Operation Linda Nchi • Battle of Mogadishu (2010–2011) • Mogadishu offensive (2022–2024)

Somali National Army. The Somali National Army is the principal land warfare force of the Federal Government of Somalia. Established following independence from Italy and Britain, its history is marked by the Ogaden War against Ethiopia, collapse during the Somali Civil War, and gradual reconstitution in the 21st century. It is a central institution in the state's protracted conflict against the al-Shabaab insurgency and operates with significant international military support.

History

The force originated from the merger of the Trust Territory of Somaliland's forces and the British Somaliland Somaliland Scouts in 1960. Under the regime of Siad Barre, it grew into a formidable force of over 60,000, heavily supported by the Soviet Union until the Ogaden War prompted a realignment towards the United States. The army's disintegration following Barre's overthrow in 1991 led to decades of factional warfare. Reconstitution efforts began in earnest with the formation of the Transitional Federal Government and gained momentum after the Ethiopian intervention against the Islamic Courts Union. The African Union Mission in Somalia provided critical security space for its retraining and redeployment.

Organization

The army's structure is designed to support the Federal Member States, with sector commands often aligned with regional boundaries. Key formations include the Danab Brigade, a special forces unit trained by the United States Africa Command, and the Gorgor Brigades, elite infantry units. Command flows from the President of Somalia through the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of Defence Force. Integration of various clan-based militias and regional forces, such as the Puntland Security Force and the Jubbaland Security Force, into a unified national command structure remains an ongoing organizational challenge.

Equipment

Its inventory is a mix of aging Soviet-era systems and modern donations from international partners. Historically equipped with T-55 tanks, BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, and D-30 howitzers, much of this hardware was lost or destroyed. Current rearmament includes M16 and AK-47 assault rifles, technical vehicles, and modern communications gear. Turkey has supplied Kirpi mine-resistant vehicles and provides extensive training at its facility in Mogadishu. The European Union and United Arab Emirates have also contributed vehicles, weapons, and logistical support.

Operations

Primary operations since 2008 have focused on combating the al-Shabaab insurgency, often in joint offensives with AMISOM and later the ATMIS forces. Significant campaigns include the Battle of Mogadishu (2010–2011) to clear the capital and operations in the Shabelle regions. It participated in the Operation Linda Nchi incursion into Kenya and has conducted numerous operations in support of regional governments in Hirshabelle and South West State. The ongoing Mogadishu offensive (2022–2024) represents its largest independent offensive action in years.

Challenges and reforms

Persistent challenges include weak central command and control, corruption within the Ministry of Defence, and the integration of regional militia forces. Issues of irregular payment, which have led to instances of defection and looting, are a major focus of reform efforts spearheaded by the Federal Government of Somalia with international backing. The United Nations Security Council has mandated arms embargoes, complicating procurement, though these have been progressively lifted. Reforms aim to create a professional, accountable, and ethnically balanced force through biometric registration and standardized training.

International support

The reconstitution of the force is heavily dependent on foreign assistance. The United States, through AFRICOM, funds and trains the Danab Brigade. Turkey operates a major military training academy in Mogadishu and provides advanced instruction. The European Union funds stipends for soldiers through its EUCAP Somalia mission. Other key partners include the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and Qatar. This support is coordinated through the Somali Security Pact and is considered essential for the eventual takeover of security responsibilities from ATMIS forces.

Category:Military of Somalia Category:Armies by country