Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, alongside the Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), General Odawa Yusuf Rage, on Tuesday officiated the graduation ceremony of units from the elite Gorgor Special Forces who completed advanced military training at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy in Mogadishu.
The graduating forces underwent intensive and specialized military training focused on enhancing combat readiness, tactical skills, and overall operational effectiveness of the Somali National Army. The program aimed to strengthen the capacity of Somalia’s elite units tasked with frontline operations and national defense.
Addressing the ceremony, Defense Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi praised the continued efforts of the SNA leadership, emphasizing that the federal government remains committed to building a strong, professional, and highly skilled national army capable of defending the country and maintaining security.
The Minister urged the newly graduated troops to fully uphold their responsibilities in protecting Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also called on them to play a leading role in ongoing operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab, stressing the importance of their contribution to ensuring public safety and national stability.
During the event, the Gorgor forces demonstrated a range of skills acquired during their training, including weapons handling, combat tactics, and self-defense techniques, showcasing the high standard and professionalism of the training provided at TURKSOM.
The ceremony was attended by senior military and civilian officials, including the Commander of the Somali National Army, General Odawa Yusuf Rage; the Commander of Training and Doctrine, Brigadier General Ahmed Ise Ahmed; the Commander of TURKSOM, Brigadier General Sebahattin Kalkan; the Turkish Ambassador to Somalia; commanders of the Somali Air Force and Navy; as well as other distinguished guests.
The graduation highlights the deepening military cooperation between Somalia and Turkey and reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Somalia’s national security institutions as part of broader reforms aimed at restoring peace and stability across the country.