Friday February 21, 2025
A U.S. Army paratrooper engages in a lighthearted exchange with Somali Danab special forces during Justified Accord 2025 in Kenya. (Photo by Sgt. Joskanny Lua)
Mogadishu (HOL) — U.S. Army paratroopers and Somali Danab special forces are participating in Justified Accord 2025 (JA25), a multinational military exercise in Kenya focused on counterterrorism training and regional security cooperation.
The exercise, led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), brings together troops from 15 countries, including key regional allies such as the Kenya Defence Forces and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force. Running from Feb. 10–21, JA25 focuses on crisis response, interoperability, and joint operational readiness in combating security threats across East Africa.
The Somali Danab Brigade, a U.S.-trained elite unit at the forefront of counterterrorism operations against al-Shabaab, is working closely with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, a rapid deployment force based in Vicenza, Italy. The training aims to strengthen leadership skills, operational coordination, and tactical proficiency, ensuring Somali forces are well-prepared for high-stakes missions.
The exercise provides a vital opportunity for Somali troops to refine precision strike capabilities and develop strategies for countering extremist insurgencies. “I came here to work for my country and to help my people,” said Sgt. Mubaarak Abdi Mohamed, stressing the importance of collaboration in Somalia’s security efforts.
His comrade, Sgt. Hussein Dahir Muhammad, spoke of the urgency of their mission. “Al-Shabaab is terrorism,” he said. “They don’t know brotherhood. They’re always killing civilians. Terrorism has destroyed our country. That’s why I’m here—to defeat the enemy of my country.”
JA25 includes scenario-based training, covering urban warfare tactics, joint maneuvers, and crisis response operations. The final phase will culminate in a large-scale simulation, testing the ability of African, European, and North American forces to respond effectively to complex security threats.
The U.S. military says its participation in JA25 reinforces its commitment to regional stability and counterterrorism efforts in Africa. The 173rd Airborne Brigade’s involvement highlights continued military support for Somali forces, reinforcing a long-standing partnership to enhance Somalia’s long-term security infrastructure.
“Our collaboration with Somali forces in this exercise is about building trust, improving coordination, and preparing for real-world threats,” said a U.S. military official involved in JA25. “These partnerships are crucial to regional security.”
