Somalia: Over 14 military officers arrested following base attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 14 members of the Somali National Army [SNA] officers have been arrested in connection to the recent Al-Shabaab attack at a military training base within Somalia's capital Mogadishu last week, a senior official said, in what could raise questions about possible infiltration of terrorists in government.

Abdifatah Kasim, Somalia's deputy defense minister, told Lower House members that the arrests were made following preliminary investigations, and the officers in custody are expected to be grilled in connection with the attack, which left at least 25 trainees dead.

The minister had been summoned by Members of Parliament who inquired about the attack along with reforms within the military and various defense agreements with external facilitators and nations. Somalia is seeking to stabilize after years of civil war and the Al-Shabaab menace.

"Deputy Defense Minister Abdifatah Kasim announced the arrest of 14 officers, including the Commander of Jaalle Siyad College, in connection with the recent explosion at Jaalle Siyaad Military College," the minister told reporters in Mogadishu.

"During the Ministry’s appearance before the House of People of Federal Parliament, led by Defense Minister Mohamed Nur, Kasim stated that anyone involved will face justice. MPs inquired about ongoing operations against terrorists, army reforms, and military agreements."

This was the worst attack targeting military officers in two months, just days after the militants also raided an Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] base in Bulo Marer, killing over 54 soldiers instantly. Monday's attack was activated by a suicide bomber, outside Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy popularly known as the 14th October army training center.

According to the reports, the bomber managed to sneak into the premises probably with assistance from the insiders, leading to the tragic attack. The government has promised to bring to book those who may have participated directly in the attack, including the officers who are believed to have colluded with the militants.

Cases of Al-Shabaab collusion with government officers and security teams in Somalia are not unique given that in the past, a number of officials have been found criminally culpable of sharing intelligence briefs with the terrorists. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The militants have been battling to keep foot on their former territories but sustained operations have kept them at bay. The Somali National Army [SNA] is plotting the final assault on the militants, with the focus now shifting to the Southwest and Jubaland states of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE