The United Kingdom donated 27 military vehicles and a fully-equipped mechanical workshop to the Somali National Army (SNA). The donation is geared at improving the logistical capabilities of the SNA as they fight the al-Qaeda affiliated insurgency; al Shabaab active in the Horn of Africa nation.
The donation, which was handed over to the SNA in Mogadishu earlier in September, includes at least 17 Kamaz troop carriers and tractor trucks as well as ten Toyota Land Cruiser light patrol vehicles. The UK government also deployed a small team for training purposes on the use of the equipment and workshop to Somali servicemen.
The British aid came weeks after the SNA received 24 vehicles from Turkey that are meant to be used by an elite SNA counter-terrorism unit that is trained and equipped by the Turkish Army.
While CT actors in Somalia continue to mount campaigns against the al Shabaab the group has shown versatility and capability that continues to give it leeway to conduct attacks both within Somalia and as well as her neighbours. It is important to note that the FGS continues to need international assistance both tactically and logistically to ensure that the Counterterrorism gains that have been made by allies active in the country are permanent and thus not undone by the militancy especially in the south and central regions where there is heavy al Shabaab presence.
