Somalia: Security sweep in Baidoa after palace attack
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- Posted On 14-03-2015, 08:34AM
BAIDOA, Somalia, March 14, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somali government forces along with African Union peacekeepers have conducted massive security sweep in Bay regional capital of Baidoa following deadly terror attack on Southwest State presidential palace, Garowe Online reports.
Commanders in charge of the operation told the media that weapons cache and nearly 20 people suspected of being Al Shabaab members were captured.
The terror suspects include youths, businessmen, teachers and three women, officials disclosed.
The sweep has come two days after Al Shabaab gunmen attacked a palace housing Southwest State administration leader Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan.
Deteriorating security situation
Baidoa security situation has been deteriorating since the formation of Southwest state administration in late 2014.
Planned assassinations, explosions and military style ambushes have made the situation extremely volatile.
On January 18, assailants gunned down the Chairman of Bay’s Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea umbrella, Sheikh Sharif Siideky.
On February 3, gunmen shot and killed another cleric aligned with the paramilitary group, Sheikh Hussein Hassan after evening prayers.
On February 14, renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Adan War-Iisho was targeted in planned assassination.
On March 12, Al Shabaab launched a deadly assault on a building housing Southwest State leader.
GAROWE ONLINE
