Ugandan among eight detained in Somalia over Al-Shabaab links

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A Ugandan has been arrested in Somalia over links to Al-Shabaab following dramatic security operations in the Horn of Africa nation, which has been struggling with insecurity for the last three decades.

According to security reports, eight individuals were arrested during the crackdown which was conducted at Afgoye town, north of Mogadishu, the Somali capital. They were carrying laptops and solar panels, officials said.

The 8 individuals have since been detained as security teams try to establish the circumstances behind their presence in the country. Among those arrested are Ugandans and security teams have started interrogating them.

"Security forces in Afgoye nab suspected Al-Shabaab affiliates carrying laptops and solar panels. Ugandan national among 8 detained," state media reports.

Al-Shabaab has been seeking services from foreigners who bring expertise to the team, including bomb-making and detonation. Al-Shabaab still controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia but has lost significant ground.

The government of Somalia has declared a total crackdown against the militants, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud protecting that by December 2024, the militants would have lost significant ground.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has started withdrawing from the country, with the last batch expected to leave by the end of 2024. By the end of this year, at least 3,000 militants will officially withdraw from the country.

Al-Shabaab has been under immense pressure following operations carried out across the country. So far, over 3,500 militants have been killed in the last 12 months, with Hassan Sheikh maintaining that the operations will continue for the next few months.

GAROWE ONLINE