Somalia: Government forces capture several militants in Lower Shabelle

QORYOLEY, Somalia- Pro-government forces in Lower Shabelle region have napped several al-Shabaab militants including senior commanders during security operations in Qoryoley district, Garowe Online reports.

A district official, Abdi Ahmed Ali told GO that among the apprehended suspects is the head of al-Shabaab operations in the region.

“The suspects were captured during a security sweep conducted by the security forces in Farhane area, located about 5 kilometers south of Qoryole town,” added Ali

He said the Police authorities are currently conducting investigation with the suspects who are believed to be linked to al-Qaida-inspired al-Shabaab group. The authorities said that 2 suspects are guards to the captured senior commander.

Following the investigations, the suspects will be brought to the military court for trials.

So far the militant group al-Shabaab hasn’t released any statement in regard to the capture of its fighters and commanders in Lower Shabelle region.

The militant group is fighting the Somali security forces and allied African Union Peacekeeping forces (AMISOM) in a bid to topple the western-backed Somali government in Mogadishu

GAROWEONLINE