Hiiraan Online
Wednesday January 17, 2018
FILE PHOTO
Mogadishu (HOL) - The government of Southwest state said on Tuesday evening it had arrested five Al-Shabaab suspects at Manaas village just 45km away from Baidoa.
Suspects were nabbed in a joint security operation carried Southwest state forces and Somali military on the heel of Daynuunay attack in the morning by Al-Shabaab militants.
The spokesman of Southwest state, Nuradiin Yussuf Abukar said Southwest state would continue the operations to clear the group from the towns and villages under its administration.
"These militants were arrested in an operation intended to annihilate the militants the regions of Southwest state, the operation was jointly conducted by our forces and the military of the federal government," Abukar.
He noted that suspects were undergoing interrogation and would be arraigned in court soon.
"We strongly believe they are Al-Shabaab. They are currently being interrogated and will be arraigned in court soon," the spokesman affirmed.
Alshabaab militants are fighting to overthrow Somalia's internationally backed government.
In this week alone, the group three attacks on SNA bases in Baat, Lower and Middle Shabelle regions including Daynuunay, Afgooye and in the outskirt of Jowhar town.