Monday, April 18, 2016
Ahmed Mohamud Afrah a senior commander of terror group al-Shabaab surrendered himself on Sunday, claiming he now wanted to live in peace with the rest of the people in Somalia
The Somali National Army welcomed the surrender of the commander and gave amnesty to those who want to defect the militant group
A senior al-Shabaab commander has surrendered to the Somali national army in Galgudud region of central Somalia on Sunday, April 17.
Somali National Army Commander in the region Col. Ahmed Mohamed told journalists that Ahmed Mohamud Afrah accepted amnesty and surrendered to the government.
“He was Al-Shabaab commander in charge of zakawat levy collection in this region. He had communication with us and told us that he is planning to leave his militant group,” Mohamed said.
Mohamed said the government will welcome those terrorists who defect but those still with the group will be dealt with accordingly.
The al-Shabaab commander said he joined the terror group due to circumstances and fear but had no freedom at all in the group.
“Circumstances and fear from the group led me join the Al-Shabaab fighters and accept to hold such position, but I had no freedom inside the group any time. I decided to accept amnesty offer and join my people and the Somali government forces in order to live in peace and without any worry. I am happy, the government officials welcomed me well,” Afrah said.
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Al-Shabaab in recent times has suffered damage from three sides, with US drones killing their militants and commanders as well as losing key towns to Amison and the Somali National Army (SNA).
African Union forces with the help of the Somali national forces on Tuesday, April 5 in statement had confirmed that they had killed at least six commanders of the terror group al-Shabaab in lower Shabelle region.
The al-Shabaab members killed include a judge in Janaale town.
Others include a Kenyan trainer for the group Sheikh Mansur, Hassan Ali, chief Amnyat of lower shabelle region, and Yemeni explosives expert Abu Islam.