Somalia: some of Al Shabaab prisoners to be transferred to Mogadishu

GAROWE, Puntland- Reports emerged that some of Al Shabaab inmates who were apprehended in the battle against the militants group in the Indian Ocean coastal towns in March 2016, are set to be transferred to Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.

Sources tell GO that about 26 inmates will be relocated from Puntland’s prisons, following an agreement between the UN and Puntland government to transfer inmates who are under the age of 15.    

Puntland officials haven’t release statement in relation to the matter, but GO has learned that minor inmates will be placed at rehabilitation center in the capital Mogadishu.

Nearly 200 Al Shabaab fighters have seized Indian Ocean towns of Gara’ad and Suuj, but Puntland security forces managed to repulse the group in anti terror operations, that led to the death and capture of many Al Shabaab militants, last March.

The militants were convicted by Puntland state courts on charges of terrorism and its sentences ranged from to death and imprisonment.

However, Puntland government is believed it has released undisclosed number of convicted prisoners amid concerns that those released inmates have carried out terrorist attacks in main cities in Puntland.

Puntland, located northeastern of Somalia has been relatively stable compared to the rest of Somalia but attacks by Al Qaida linked Al Shabaab group have been raising in recent months.

GAROWEONLINE