Somalia Places $30,000 Bounty on Al-Shabaab Bomb Expert 

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a strategy meant to reduce violent extremism in the country, security agents in Somalia are now targeting a senior Al-Shabaab bomb expert, who is believed to be 'dangerous' to the national interests and safety of the people.

The government is now targeting Yusuf Mohamed Hussein, a key figure in Al-Shabaab operations, and has since placed a $30,000 bounty on his head. This comes a few days after the government of the United States confirmed the death of Abu Abdirahman.

Yusuf Mohamed Hussein is in charge of operations in the Banadir region, responsible for bomb disposal, reconnaissance missions, and planning suicide attacks. He has been on the security radar for several months.

“The security teams call on Somali citizens to provide any information regarding this individual’s whereabouts. Those who assist will receive a $30,000 cash reward,” the statement read.

Multiple reports indicate that Hussein is believed to have played a key role in several terror attacks in Mogadishu – key among them being attacks at Villa Rosa, the Banadir regional headquarters, Pearl Beach, SYL Hotel, Beach View, and several prominent restaurants such as Sayidka, Jawi Coffee, Blue Sky, Top Coffee, and School Polizio.

Several individuals working with him have since been arrested and are aiding security agents with information. According to the government, Hussein is believed to be currently hiding in the Mubarak area of the Lower Shabelle region.

The United States along with Somalia has killed at least 15 Al-Shabaab militants in the last three weeks, with the biggest news being the death of Abu Abdirahman, who is said to have planned attacks on Kenya's Dusit D2 Hotel in 2019 and the Westgate Mall in 2013.

However, the fight against this group has slowed down in Jubaland after the federal government deployed troops to fight the administration of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, a key mobilizer in the war against al-Shabaab within Jubaland state.

GAROWE ONLINE