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Officials in Somalia have announced the arrests of several members of the Danab commando unit, a top US-trained force, for allegedly stealing US-donated aid. 

According to officials, the government took control of supplying the unit to prevent further misconduct.

Late Thursday, Somalia’s defense ministry disclosed the incident of theft to its international allies, promising a thorough investigation into the allegations. A US official commented, “We look forward to engaging with the Danab on creating the necessary safeguards and accountability measures to prevent future incidents that could affect future assistance.” No additional information was provided.

This development comes against a backdrop of previous US aid suspensions due to similar issues, reflecting ongoing challenges in managing military aid in Somalia. Despite this, the US recently agreed to build five military bases for Danab for $100 million. 

More on the Danab:
The Danab unit, crucial in the fight against the militant group al Shabaab, has benefited from significant US support aimed at bolstering Somalia’s military capabilities. Established as a “quick reaction force,” Danab has been central to the anti-al Shabaab efforts, particularly during a military push that began in 2022. This initiative saw early successes but has faced challenges in maintaining control over reclaimed areas.