Over 100 Al-Shabaab militants surrender in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The fight against Al-Shabaab has gathered some significant momentum in Somalia, the government announced, while confirming the defection of over 100 militants in recent weeks, who downed their tools in respect for the peace and stability of the country.

For the last two years, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has activated tangible operations against the group, which has since lost strategic locations in the country, including large swathes of rural central and southern regions of the country.

According to the state media, the Federal Republic of Somalia is open to receiving those willing to defect, in line with the amnesty announced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is optimistic that the group will be dismembered by the end of this year.

"The Federal Government of Somalia welcomes leaders and militants from the Al-Shabaab terrorist group who are surrendering to the authorities, following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s offer of amnesty to those who have been misguided by the terrorists," read the statement.

"Over 100 militants have surrendered in Galmudug, Hirshabeelle, South West, Jubbaland, and Mogadishu in the past weeks and are now receiving rehabilitation support. The government commends the parents in Somalia for protecting their children from the influence of terrorism."

Besides the military operations against the Al-Shabaab across Somalia, the government has also invested in the location of financiers of the militants, besides cutting their revenue collection channels. Several businesses supporting the group have been closed down.

In addition, the government has also cracked a whip on social media sites which are directly propagating the Al-Shabaab agenda, with news websites also closed down. The government is also keen on promoting cohesion and economic empowerment as tools to counter violent extremism.

Somalia National Army (SNA) is being assisted by the US Army and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Over 3,000 militants have been killed since the government initiated operations against the group in central and southern regions.

GAROWE ONLINE