Draft:Gorgor Division

  • Comment: Draft was resubmitted without improvement. Only three of the six sources so far mention Gorgor Division (or Gorgor Commandos). Wikishovel (talk) 16:27, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

Gorgor Commandos
Kumaandooska Gor-gor
Active2018-present
CountrySomalia
AllegianceSomalia
BranchSomali Armed Forces
TypeCommando
SizeDivision. (6000) Soldiers
Part ofArmy
Garrison/HQCamp TURKSOM
Nickname(s)"Gorgor" (English: Eagles)
Colors  Khaki   Gold   Olive   Somali Blue (Beret colour)
Anniversaries12 April (Armed Force's Day)
1 July (Somali Independence Day)
EngagementsSomali Civil War
Commanders
Current
commander
Major Mohamed Hassan Carab
Deputy CommanderMajor Cabdi maxamed suulnuug

The Gorgor Commandos (Somali: Ciidamada Kumaandooska Gor-gor Gorgor, "Eagle") is a specialized and highly trained commando force within the Somali Armed Forces. This elite unit has conducted swift and successive land raids, reclaiming territories previously under the control of Somali Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents, Al-Shabaab.[1]

History edit

In 2018, Somalia took a significant leap forward in bolstering its security capabilities with the establishment of the Gorgor Commandos—an elite force designed to address ongoing threats, especially from militant groups like al-Shabaab. This strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the overall security landscape of the nation.

The Gorgor Unit was established at Camp Turksom, in the administrative region (gobol) of Benadir in southeastern Somalia. The training of the first Gorgor Unit began in mid 2018 and they finished their training in April 2019. A graduation ceremony attended by top officials from both countries was held for the 1st infantry battalion.[2][failed verification]

The formation of the Gorgor Commandos was initiated through a transformative training program led by Turkish military instructors.[3][failed verification] Conducted in Turkey, and Somalia this comprehensive training aimed to equip the commandos with a diverse skill set tailored for modern military operations, covering urban and rural warfare, guerrilla tactics, and counterinsurgency strategies.[4][5][failed verification]

Over the subsequent years, the Gorgor Commandos, influenced by their Turkish training, evolved into a formidable force in operations against insurgent groups. Their effectiveness was demonstrated through targeted strikes and operations that significantly weakened al-Shabaab, illustrating the impact of international collaboration in strengthening Somalia's security. The Gorgor Commandos stand as a symbol of Somalia's commitment to building a highly skilled and adaptable force capable of navigating the complexities of modern conflict.[6]

References edit

  1. ^ "Gorgor Commandos Dismantle Al-Shabaab Outposts in Central Somalia". Halqabsi. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  2. ^ @TC_Mogadishu (18 April 2019). "Great pleasure to participate in Somalia 1st Infantry Battalion Graduation Ceremony at TURKSOM Training Center with…" (Tweet). Retrieved 6 June 2019 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ Olad Hassan, Mohamed (30 September 2017). "Turkey Opens Largest Foreign Military Base in Mogadishu". Voice of America. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  4. ^ Dhaysane, Mohamed (14 December 2021). "Somali commandos arrive home after training in Turkey". anadolu Agency. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  5. ^ "Turkey to train 1/3 of entire Somali military, envoy says". Daily Sabah. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  6. ^ "Somali army kills over 20 al-Shabab militants in southern Somalia". Xinhua. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2023.