Somalia parades Al-Shabaab defectors as war intensifies

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [highest-everaded the highest ever number of Al-Shabaab defectors in Somalia, just days after the militants overran a Ugandan People's Defense Forces [UPDF] Forward Operating Base in Bulo Marer, south of Mogadishu, the capital of the Horn of Africa nation.

State media reported that at least 10 militants surrendered to the national army on Monday within Baidoa, the regional administrative capital of Southwest state. This marks the largest single surrender in the country, state media noted.

"10 Al-Shabaab members who surrendered to Somali security forces have been displayed in Baidoa, today. This marks the largest single surrender from the terrorist group in recent times," thestate media reported, while lauding members of security forces for their role in degrading the group.

"The defectors, including Mohamed Amin who surrendered yesterday in Harardere district, are citing that they are benefiting from the President’s pardon," added the state media, while acknowledging immense contributions from local and international forces in pressing the group.

The government of Somalia is preparing for the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab militants in Western Somalia, with Jubaland and Southwest states being on the line. The government has already asked for reinforcement from non-ATMIS troops, from Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti who will assist in the crackdown.

According to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the troops who are not attached to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] will only assist Somalia for three months when the operation is expected to end. Alreada y, ATMIS is planning drawdown of troops from Somalia, with the first 2000 set to leave the country this month.

The Somali National Army is scheduled to take security responsibilities from the foreign troops, but there are concerns about their preparedness. Somalia believes that the second phase will further dismantle the bases of the militants in Jubaland and Southwest where they have been antagonizing locals.

GAROWE ONLINE