Thursday May 18, 2023
Somali security forces on Thursday
intercepted and seized two military shipments with explosives belonging
to al-Shabab militants at the port of Mogadishu, Somalia.
State
Minister of the Ministry of Internal Security Mohamed Ali told
journalists that 10 suspects have been arrested including businessmen
with licenses to import goods.
Ali said the National
Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) officers are pursuing the
terrorists who imported the shipments into the country.
"NISA
was following the movement of the terrorist network in and outside the
country from buying the products, transporting, importing and up to
handing over to al-Shabab militants, they concealed the military
equipment into a container carrying business products," he said. He said the 10 suspects were authorized to import goods but were abusing their privileges to facilitate the illicit trade.
The minister said four vehicles, intended to transport the smuggled
weapons, were seized, further disrupting the illicit supply chain.
"Those held into account were among businessmen that the government gave
them licenses to bring what our people need, but instead they imported
harmful things that can endanger our people."
He said the
successful interceptions of these illegal arms shipments at both the
port and airport demonstrate the vigilance and effectiveness of the
Somali security forces.
He said by dismantling the networks
involved in the illicit trade, the NISA has effectively curtailed the
flow of weapons and resources that would have fueled terrorism in the
region.
This operation comes about a month after the security
situation in the capital of Mogadishu was stable as the terrorist
incidents decreased due to constant military operations and new forces
on duty.