Somalia: Barrels of duel destined to Al-Shabaab strongholds, seized

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Elite troops from the Somali National Army (SNA) have seized several barrels of fuel destined for Al-Shabaab strongholds in central Somalia, officials said, in the latest crackdown targeting the group in various frontlines across the country.

The militants had acquired the fuel from unknown merchants and were transporting it to their strongholds in El Dheer District within the Mudug region, officials said. The fuel can sometimes be used in making Explosive Devices (IEDs).

By count, military officials said, over 50 barrels were seized from the militants with the support of militias loyal to the government, who nabbed those responsible for transportation. The military has been carrying out operations within central Somalia.

The government deployed several Somali National Army (SNA) officials in central regions and has been getting assistance from the local militia, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and the US Africa Command.

This comes a few days after a high-ranking member of Al-Shabaab quit the group within Harardhere District in Mudug region, in what the government described as an 'enormous' success in the fight against the group which controls large swathes of rural Somalia.

Sidow Ali Ibrahim heeded calls by government forces to surrender and was now joins other militia members who recently surrendered at Galmudug and have agreed to join the government’s rehabilitation program before being allowed back to the general public.

Security sources said Ibrahim was identified as a leader of the group in the Mudug region before moving to the Barag Ali-Gadud area in Haradhere district. The first phase of operations against Al-Shabaab targeted Galmudug and Hirshabelle states and left over 3,000 militants dead.

GAROWE ONLINE