SOFREP Exclusive: Q&A With Somalia's CIA-Trained Alpha Group

SOFREP Exclusive: Q&A With Somalia’s CIA-Trained Alpha Group

by Jamie Read · December 9, 2015

Here in Mogadishu, there is one group that everyone knows, and when you mention its name, people look at you funny. Alpha Group. Nobody will talk about them, and you will never see them unless they are really needed. Even then, all you see are green balaclavas on some high-speed guys who, when you get too close, take aim at you and tell you to fuck off.

Alpha Group is made up of Somalia’s best and most highly trained men. They are the tip of the spear here, and lead the way when it comes to special operations in Somalia. Their fearsome reputation precedes them; everyone knows who they are and nobody will get in their way.

About Jamie Read

Jamie Read is a former British Army Reconnaissance specialist, after leaving the military he went on to work as Close Protection Officer (CPO) and surveillance specialist in the United Kingdom. Jamie would later join 3035 Special Operations Regiment in Ukraine and played a key role in establishing this regiment. With over 10 years military & security experience, having worked in the most demanding environments from the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and South America.

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notfastenuf
Had a comment earlier, but it got wiped with the comment transition. Thanks for the interview Jay - I'm working Africa currently, so this definitely comes as insightful. Having worked more west and south Africa, is the bluntness common for Somalis or do you think it was more particular to this person in the unit? or was this more edited for readability for the audience?
mrspaul
Great article, Jay!!! Thank you for the work that you are doing...be safe!!!
Jack Murphy
Cambodian CT unit was trained there and the press has claimed that MEK was trained at the same facility.
Michael G
Many groups from many countries have trained there.
Yankee Papa
JHR130 saidJHR130 [email protected] no offense- but your questions are exactly indicative of why our Military Units and Intelligence agencies are caught up in red tape beyond comprehension" ...I certainly take no offense. But my question had nothing to do with red tape or bogging down the unit. Either somebody commands the unit and takes responsibility for its actions... or it does not qualify under the laws of land warfare as a military unit. It might be as simple as "Agent Smythe" handles those matters and sends reports to his superiors who perhaps touch base with the military commander in the region. I do not think that it would be set up along the lines of the kind of "free companies" that until recently plagued the Ukraine... . -YP-