
Friday July 18, 2025

Rome (HOL) — The Commander of the Somali National Army
(SNA), Lieutenant General Odawaa Yusuf Raage, is on a working visit to Italy,
where he met with senior Italian military officials to strengthen bilateral
defense cooperation.
The SNA delegation received a formal welcome from the
Commander of the Italian Army, General Luciano Portolano, and other senior
officers, highlighting the deepening ties and collaborative spirit between the
two countries' armed forces.
During their meeting, General Odawaa and General Portolano
discussed expanding training programs, enhancing logistical support, and
coordinating joint efforts to address regional security challenges.
Italy has historically supported Somalia’s security and
development, and the meeting underscores a renewed commitment to bolstering
military cooperation between the two nations.
The Somali National Army is expected to issue an official
statement on the visit. The talks come as Somalia prepares for major military
operations targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in the Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan
regions.