Somalia, EU and AU Troops Hold Joint Exercise To Boost Security Readiness

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali security forces, alongside European Union and African Union counterparts, have concluded a joint military exercise aimed at strengthening tactical coordination and rapid response to complex threats.

The operation, known as Green Shield I/25, was held at the General Dhagabadan Training Centre (GDTC) in Mogadishu. It brought together troops from the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), the EU Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S), the Somali Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The exercise involved live tactical simulations, including scenarios with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), indirect fire attacks, and mass casualty response drills.

“This is the first time SNAF, EUTM-S, and AUSSOM have planned and executed such a complex operation jointly outside the Mogadishu International Airport zone,” said General Zizzari, the EUTM-S Mission Force Commander.

He described the initiative as a major step toward greater interoperability and real-time command coordination.

The “train-with-me” model used in Green Shield allowed Somali troops to take part from planning through field execution, a shift that EUTM-S says reflects a growing confidence in Somalia’s military leadership.

Officials say the drills mark progress in force protection and threat response automation, part of broader efforts to build a self-reliant Somali security architecture.

The EU mission pledged continued support as Somalia prepares to lead future joint exercises, aligning with long-term goals to transition security responsibilities to national forces.