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MOGADISHU, June 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Kingdom (UK) has officially opened a training facility in southwestern Somalia as part of efforts to stabilize the Horn of African nation.

Its embassy in Mogadishu said Sunday that the Baidoa-based military facility which was opened on Saturday will be used by the Somali National Army (SNA).

It said in a statement issued in Mogadishu that the Baidoa Security Training Centre will train up to 120 SNA soldiers at one time and will help the SNA improve the quality of its training.

"The new center will help develop Somali-led security forces and promote long-term stability and security in the country," the embassy said.

Ben Fender, British Ambassador to Somalia, said the training of the Somali soldiers will be instrumental in bolstering security in the country and the region as a whole.

"We are playing a central part in helping the SNA conduct current operations in Lower Shabelle including through giving practical help to the newly recovered areas - like new housing for Sabid community," Fender said.

The opening of the training facility came as the Horn of Africa nation has been fighting al-Qaida allied terrorist group al-Shabab. Enditem