One hundred more SNA personnel complete training in UK funded base in Baidoa

GOOBJOOG NEWS|BAIDOA: The number of Somali National Army soldiers who have undergone military training in a UK funded training base in Baidoa has risen to over 2,300 following the passing out of 100 more trainees today.

According to a statement from the UK embassy in Mogadishu, 100 soldiers graduated today from the British Security Training Centre (BSTC) following eight weeks of training.

The training is a mix of theory and practice, covering defensive operations, basic command and control, dealing with improvised explosive devices, first aid, safe weapon handling, shooting, tactics, communications, first aid and human rights.

British ambassador to Somalia Kate Foster, while praising the soldiers for the training noted the last one year has since real progress in building the country’s military

“Over the last year, Somalia has made real progress towards building its future army and in conducting operations,” said Foster. “We’re delighted the UK has played a role in this, especially in Baidoa which is a vital location in the fight against Al Shabaab.”

Speaking during the same function, South West state president Abdiaisis Lafta Gareen thanked the British government for the support noting the training will go a long way in securing victories for the SNA.

“The more sweat on the ground during training, the less blood on the battle field and more victories for Somalia. Training is the best gift to any army and we are grateful to the UK government for helping our army.”

The UK government said earlyt this month it will targeting to train 600 SNA soldiers this year.