Somalia forces intercept Al-Shabaab weapons at Mogadishu port

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Security forces intercepted the second cache of Al-Shabaab weapons in as many days within the capital Mogadishu, in yet another significant milestone in the fight against the group which controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

The cache of weapons was being sneaked into the country through Mogadishu port. The port is viewed as one of the most secure areas within the country.

Mohamed Ali Haga, the state minister of internal security, said 10 suspects including business owners who have government permits to import goods. The suspects are being held for interrogation by security forces, added the minister, who also lauded security forces for vigilance.

"Somali Security forces are resolute in their commitment to combat Al-Shabaab, and today's seizure comprised a variety of explosives, drones, communication devices, improvised explosive devices [IEDs], and other materials," declared State Minister of Internal Security, Mohamed Ali Haga.

The minister maintained that government forces have made important strides in the elimination of Al-Shabaab, noting that prevention of the weapons from making it into the group's territory will help in thwarting future attacks waged by the militants in several parts of Somalia.

Last week, security forces drawn from the National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA] intercepted a cache of weapons and military supplies believed to be destined for Al-Shabaab strongholds. The group has been sneaking weapons into the country unnoticed with senior port officials said to be collaborating with Al-Shabaab.

These successful operations demonstrate the continued determination of Somali security forces to disrupt the activities of Al-Shabaab and safeguard the well-being of the nation's citizens, the minister added while emphasizing that Al-Shabaab financiers are on target.

The United Nations believes that Al-Shabaab budgets $24 million annually for the purchase of weapons with Yemen being used as an entry route. The group makes up to $120 million annually through extortion and ransoms of these abducted, making it one of the most financially equipped terror groups in the continent.

GAROWE ONLINE