National Intelligence and Security Agency
National Intelligence and Security Agency of Somalia logo
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| Governmental overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | January 2013 |
| Preceding Governmental | |
| Type | Intelligence |
| Jurisdiction | Federal Government of Somalia |
| Headquarters | Mogadishu, Somalia |
| Governmental executive |
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The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) (Somali: Hay'ada Sirdoonka iyo Nabadsugida) is the national intelligence agency of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Overview
NISA was officially established in January 2013 by the new Somali Federal Government in place of the defunct National Security Service (NSS).[1][2] It is part of a broader effort by the federal authorities to re-establish state institutions.[2]
Headquartered in Mogadishu, NISA is tasked with firming up security.[1] It is assisted in this capacity by AMISOM.[2] According to the former Minister of State for the Presidency Abdulkadir Moallin Noor, the CIA also provided training to NISA officials during the latter agency's formative stages.[3]
NISA personnel have conducted security operations against Al-Shabaab elements in the capital.[4]
In April 2014, the United Arab Emirates donated several battle wagons and other equipment to NISA.[5]
Counterterrorism force
As of July 2014, the Gaashaan ("Shield") counterterrorism force constitutes a fundamental part of the National Intelligence and Security Agency.[6] According to Somali government officials, it is a commando force trained by the United States. NISA associates indicate that Gaashaan consists of two units totaling 120 men.[7]
Alpha Group is Gaashan's first component, and includes around 40 soldiers and 3 officers who were chosen from amongst 190 special Somali National Army troops. According to Somali defense officials, this unit received training in the United States between late 2009 and early 2010. U.S. anti-terrorism expert Derek Gannon indicates that the Alpha Group's training regimen includes counter-insurgency, counter-terror operation and executive-protecting, with an emphasis on quick reaction in an urban environment. The soldiers are also equipped with guns with night-vision scopes, among other modern military hardware.[7]
Gaashaan's second counter-terrorism unit is the Bravo Group. It received training at the Aden Adde International Airport (Mogadishu Airport) in 2011.[7]
A third commando unit, Danab ("Lightning"), is being trained within Somalia by U.S. security personnel separately from the Gaashaan counterterrorism force. It is modeled after the U.S. Rangers.[7]
Notes
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- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
