MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – The newly appointed commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, has commended the Somali elite commando unit, DANAB, calling it one of the most formidable military forces on the African continent.
In a recent briefing focused on the evolving U.S. military strategy in Somalia, General Anderson praised the significant progress made by DANAB over the past decade. He highlighted the unit’s effectiveness in combating extremist threats, particularly Al-Shabaab and Daesh, and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Somali-led counter-terrorism initiatives.
“Over the past ten years, we have helped build DANAB into what it is today—one of the most capable and respected military units in Africa,” said Gen. Anderson. “DANAB is a success story of sustained cooperation, rigorous training, and shared strategic interests. It stands as a model of what can be achieved through strong partnerships.”
General Anderson also expressed concern over increasing cooperation between Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, warning that the growing alliance poses a serious threat not only to Somalia but to regional stability across the Horn of Africa.
While reaffirming the U.S. commitment to counter-terrorism efforts in Somalia, Gen. Anderson emphasized that AFRICOM is currently conducting a comprehensive evaluation of its ongoing operations in the region. The findings of this assessment, he said, will inform future decisions by U.S. leadership regarding the scope and scale of American military engagement in Somalia.
“We are conducting a thorough review of our operations in Somalia to ensure they are aligned with our strategic objectives and are effective in degrading terrorist networks,” he added.
These remarks come at a time of heightened security concerns and underscore the United States’ ongoing investment in Somalia’s security sector. DANAB continues to serve as a cornerstone of joint U.S.-Somali counter-terrorism efforts, with the unit frequently leading high-risk operations against insurgent strongholds.
General Anderson’s comments reflect a clear message from Washington: the fight against terrorism in Somalia remains a top priority, and DANAB will continue to play a central role in securing long-term stability in the region.