UK trains Somalia National Army Brigade Headquarters

According to UK officials, The first Brigade HQ trained in Somalia for a generation has completed command and staff training in Mogadishu, and has returned to their headquarters in Baidoa, the capital of Southwest State in Somalia, at a UK provided barracks.

According to statement issues by the United Kingdom, the command and staff course for Somalia National Army (SNA) officers from Baidoa, was delivered by British Army personnel deployed on Operation TANGHAM.

The training was all about planning and conducting stabilisation operations, and 19 SNA officers trained to work alongside national and international security partners including the Somalia Police Force and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), as they battle against al-Shabaab.

The British Army commander who delivered the training, Lieutenant Colonel Alex Hutton, said the command and Staff course has given the officers from 8 Brigade a strong foundation in planning and control of Brigade-level operations. The UK affirmed that they also support the Somalia National Army by providing equipment including uniforms and radios, and a fleet of vehicles including trucks, ambulances, and Land Cruisers, which provide mobility for 8 Brigade to operate in an effective manner.