Somalia’s National army marks 62nd anniversary

The Somalia National Army (SNA) has today marked its 62nd anniversary. The army has remained strong even as it struggles to secure the country which is recovering from a decades old civil war. With the help of the international community, Somalia managed to train thousands of soldiers comprising police, military and custodial corps.

During the event, top government officials including President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo congratulated the army, terming it as a national symbol. SNA was founded in 1960 and was once among the largest and well-trained forces in sub-Saharan Africa, trained by the Soviet Union.

SNA forces backed by African Union Mission in Somalia troops have managed to liberate major towns in the country following over a decade old operations against al-Shabaab fighters. In 2011, Somalia National Army forces drove al-Shabab out of Mogadishu following heavy clashes between the two sides on main roads of the city.