Kenya arrests most wanted Al-Shabaab operative

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Kenya's multi-agency security team has arrested one of the most wanted Al-Shabaab operatives, sources within the security sector have confirmed, in what has been described as an 'enormous' progress in the fight against violent extremism.

Security reports indicate that Mustakima Mohammed Ali alias Abu Mahir was arrested along the Lamu-Malindi Highway, where he had been coordinating terror activities, leading to the loss of lives and properties in the East African nation.

Before his arrest, security teams had placed him on the list of Al-Shabaab militants wanted "dead or alive" for the killings of a police officer and two chiefs in Lamu County in 2019. He has been operating in unknown locations throughout the search.

He was arrested by hawk-eyed security personnel while traveling via bus from Lamu to Malindi. Mustakima was among the terrorists hiding in Boni Forest before running away to Somalia following enhanced operations by Kenyan security agencies.

Most of his accomplices have either been killed or prosecuted in ongoing government efforts to fight terrorism. The arrest of Alshabaab remnants like Mustakima is a major win against terrorism as the government uses all means to diminish terrorism threat, security officers said.

"The war against terrorism in Lamu is bearing fruits leading to reduced terror attacks, implementation of projects like LAPSSET, and revamping of the tourism sector," one of the officers said. "Citizens are encouraged to support government efforts in fighting terrorism by reporting terror activities to security agencies for."

For the last seven months, Kenya has heightened security along the Kenya-Somalia border following operations in Somalia targeting the group's hideouts. So far, security teams have managed to restore order within the Northern Frontier Districts and Lamu.

Kenya Defence Forces is actively involved in Somalia’s stabilization mission, which has yielded fruits. Somalia anticipates vanquishing the militants before the end of 2024 when most of the peacekeepers are leaving the country.

GAROWE ONLINE