Al-Shabaab militants surrender in Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Al-Shabaab militants have continuously lost control of strategic towns and villages in Somalia, with the group also losing fighters, some who could not keep pace with the ongoing crackdown against them in the country.

The Somali National Army (SNA) is currently engaged in the fight against Al-Shabaab, with the group also getting assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

On Monday, one of the fighters surrendered to government forces in the Galgadud region in central Somalia. Before this, the government troops had also received Al-Shabaab militants, who had crossed over following amnesty by the government of Somalia.

According to military sources, the Al-Shabaab fighter identified as Ali Said alias Ilyas crossed to the government side in Eldheer district. He is believed to be one of the key organizers of attacks against government troops and innocent civilians.

Further reports indicate that the fighter made contact with the 77th Brigade of the Somali National Army who were fighting in the Hussein Agey area in the Massagawe area. This area was recently liberated by the Somali National Army.

The fighters claimed to have surrendered following intense military operations and untenable situations in fighting for Al-Shabaab. Ilyas joints increasing number of Al-Shabaab militants who have defected to the government side in recent weeks, officials said.

During the first phase of operations against Al-Shabaab, the government troops killed over 3,000 militants in Galmudug and Hirshabelle states. The second phase has kicked off in Jubaland and Southwest states in southern regions.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had declared total war against al-Shabaab militants. Since then, the group has failed to make any substantive attacks, only reverting to sporadic raids, targeting critical government and private infrastructure in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE