The Danab Brigade (Somali: Ciidamada Danab, "Lightning Force"),[2] also known as the Somali Danab, is the only special forces of the Somali National Army that is made up of members from multiple clans throughout Somalia.
The Danab Special Forces that specialized in air assault and airborne operations, clandestine operations, combat search and rescue, commando style raids which have been successful in recapturing territory previously held by the Al-Qaeda affiliate group and Al-Shabaab[3], counterinsurgency in desert and urban terrains, counterterrorism, executive protection, frontline military intelligence gathering, hostage rescue, irregular warfare, long-range penetration, providing security in areas at risk of attack or terrorism, and special reconnaissance.
Even though they are special forces, they never call themselves special forces. They call themselves 'Commandos'.
History
In February 2014, U.S. contractors concluded a six-month training course for the first commandos since 1991.[4] Training had been carried out by Bancroft Global Development, a U.S. private military contractor, paid for by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) which is then reimbursed by the U.S. State Department. The aim was to create a mixed-clan unit. The Danab Special Forces units was established at Baledogle Airfield, in Walaweyn District, Lower Shabelle.[4]
The training of the first Danab Special Forces units began in October 2013, with 150 recruits. As of July 2014, training of the second unit was underway. General Elmi said the training was geared toward both urban and rural environments, and is aimed at preparing the soldiers for guerrilla warfare and all other types of modern military special warfare operations. Elmi said that a total of 570 commandos were expected to have completed training by U.S. security personnel by the end of 2014.[5]
The initial Danab training was very successful; thus, the United States began to expand the capability into a 3,000 - 3,500 man brigade. United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF), and contractors trained new recruits and barracks were repaired and expanded at Baledogle Airfield.[9]
Over the years 2018 and 2019, the Danab Special Forces battalion has regularly carried out strikes that have killed al Shabaab personnel. U.S. joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) have been used to direct air attacks on enemy forces when Danab Special Forces units have been in action.[10]
Danab Special Forces took part in Exercise Justified Accord 2024.[2]
Somalia’s Danab Special Forces seen during the U.S.-led Justified Accord joint military exercise in East Africa.
Equipment
DANAB Brigade on the SNA's 54th Anniversary in 2014
Danab Special Forces were initially outfitted in standard Somali National Army uniforms but later transitioned to wearing desert digital camouflage similar to that of U.S. special forces. They are distinguished by a patch of their emblem on their left shoulder, a paratrooper insignia on the left breast of their uniform, and may wear an airborne tab on their shoulder.
The brigade mainly use tiger stripe and desert digital camouflage opposed to the mainly woodland camouflage that the SNA use and the urban digital camouflage the NISA use as well, The brigade does use the sand beret but if a unit's function differ, they will use the beret colour to suit their function (i.e. for Presidential Security, they will use red berets or helmets with "B.D." inscribed on them).
Danab Special Forces utilise kevlar vests, tactical helmets with nightvision goggles, and other higher end equipment in combat.
Training
Somali Danab soldiers conduct urban operations training, together with other multinational partners in Kenya in 2024
Prospective Danab Special Forces are trained by USSOCOM operators.[11] In May 2021, it was reported that the British Army Ranger Regiment will be sent to Africa to train Danab Special Forces on its first overseas deployment.[12]
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