NAIROBI, Kenya — On the front lines of Somalia’s battle against al-Shabaab, Somali soldiers remain committed to securing their country’s future — and they are not alone.

Somali Sgt. Mubaarak Abdi Mohamed and Sgt. Hussein Dahir Muhammad, infantrymen with the Somali National Army, trained alongside U.S. Army Soldiers at Justified Accord 2025, a multinational exercise led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa. The exercise focuses on strengthening multinational partnerships, enhancing interoperability, and improving regional security capabilities.

Alongside Somali soldiers in Kenya stand paratroopers with Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, who are helping improve partner force readiness. The exercise, hosted by Kenya, brings together 15 nations, including regional partners like the Kenya Defence Forces and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force, to sharpen crisis response and security cooperation efforts.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade, stationed in Vicenza, Italy, regularly participates in training exercises across Africa to support joint force readiness and multinational collaboration. In Kenya, they are working with the Somali Danab Brigade, a special operations unit, to refine tactical proficiency, leadership development, and joint operational coordination — skills that are essential for security efforts in the region.

For Somali forces, the ability to conduct precision operations and respond to security threats is a key focus of the training. Joint exercises provide opportunities to exchange best practices, improving their effectiveness in complex operational environments.

“I came here to work for my country and to help my people,” Mubaarak said.

Similarly, Hussein Dahir has witnessed firsthand the devastation al-Shabaab has inflicted on Somali communities.

“Al-Shabaab is terrorism,” he said. “They don’t know brotherhood, and they’re always killing civilians. Terrorism has destroyed our country. That’s why I’m here — to divide the enemy of my country.”

While Somalia continues its fight against terrorism, exercises like Justified Accord 25 allow Somali Danab forces to train alongside international partners, enhancing their capabilities through scenario-based drills and multinational coordination.

As part of the exercise, forces from across Europe, Africa, and North America will participate in a culminating field training scenario, focused on crisis response and multinational cooperation. Training includes urban operations, joint maneuver tactics, and security force coordination — critical skills for ensuring stability in East Africa.

“They [the U.S.] always give us their precious time,” Hussein Dahir said. “It is nice.”

Running from Feb. 10–21, Justified Accord 25 reinforces the long-standing partnerships between the U.S., African nations, and allied forces. The 173rd Airborne Brigade’s participation underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to supporting African partners in strengthening security and regional stability.