Saudi Arabia has stepped up its military support for Somalia, implementing a defense cooperation agreement signed between the two countries in February.
The agreement is said to strengthen defense and military cooperation, although many details about its implementation have not been officially announced.
Reports indicate that nearly 5,000 Somali soldiers are being trained at two bases in the northern Galmudug region.
The training is reportedly being provided by foreign trainers from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa and Colombia, who are being funded by the Saudi program.
According to reports, Saudi military officials recently visited the training centers to assess the progress of the program.
Saudi Arabia joins the Gulf states in increasing their security and military influence in Somalia, where the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have long played prominent roles.
The UAE has been supporting the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) since the early 2010s, providing funding, training and equipment. Reports also suggest that UAE forces are based in the city of Bosaso, where they have provided air support in the fight against ISIS in the Al-Aqsa Mountains.
However, relations between the federal government of Somalia and the UAE have deteriorated since Mogadishu suspended port and security cooperation agreements with Abu Dhabi in January this year, accusing it of undermining the country’s sovereignty.
