Hiiraan Online
Friday February 16, 2018
FILE- Armed men from the al-Shabab militant group are paraded at the presidential palace in Mogadishu, Somalia, after defecting from the al-Qaida-linked group to join government forces, Oct. 13, 2009.
Mogadishu (HOL) - Two Al-Shabaab fighters have defected and surrendered to Jubbaland state, authorities in Gedo region said.
Head of security in Gedo region, Bile Wufod Ibrahim said that Al-Shabaab ringleader had surrendered on 12th this month in Bardhere town.
Ibrahim pointed out that the defector who used to command an Al-Shabaab platoon handed over an AK-47 automatic rifle, four pistols and mobile phones to authorities.
"The fighter who surrendered himself to authorities in Bardhere was a commander. He handed over Ak47, 4 pistol and phones of the fighters he was commanding, as you know Al-Shabaab collects phones from its fighters when they are sent for attacks," he explained.
The official also said another fighter defected on 14th February to the local authorities in Beled Hawo town.
Shuris Adam Dhinbil surrendered to Somali government forces
in Beled Hawo Town. It is reported that he defected from Al-Shabab militant camp in Kabis,
20km west of Garbaharey
Ibrahim noted that they expect more Al-Shabaab commanders to surrender themselves to Gedo officials in the forthcoming days.
The sentiment comes barely a week after Al-Shabaab commander identified as Abdinur Adan surrendered to the government forces in Dollow town.
Al-Shabaab militant Shuris Adam Dhinbil surrendered to government forces
Before deciding to defect, Adan had been in contact with some of his relatives who are members of the government forces.
Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre has applauded the recent defections of Al-Shabaab militants in an interview.
“Defections in general, including by Robow, show that the government’s strategy is working, that people are realizing that this government is the best hope for Somalia. It shows that the Shabaab are weakened and are being defeated—not only militarily but politically, economically, judicially and ideologically, and that public support is on the side of the government.”
Defecting Al-Shabaab fighters have increased since former deputy Alshabaab, Muktar Robbow surrendered himself to Somali government last year.