Monday October 28, 2024
Two Al-Shabaab members surrender to Somali National Army forces in Goof Gaduud Buureey, Bay region. The surrender marks part of a growing trend of defections from the militant group as Somali forces increase pressure in the region.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Two members of the Al-Shabaab militant group surrendered today to Somali National Army (SNA) forces stationed in Goof Gaduud Buureey, Bay region.
Robow Abdiyow Hassan and Nurow Tukow Manuur, both long-time Al-Shabaab fighters, turned themselves into the 47th Battalion of the 8th Brigade, part of the SNA’s 60th Division. According to military sources, Hassan and Manuur had previously trained in Bu’alle, Middle Juba, and had participated in several operations across Somalia under Al-Shabaab’s command.
The battalion’s commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Mohamed Nur Dhagey, confirmed the surrender, stating that the two defectors handed themselves over approximately 18 kilometres from Goof Gaduud Buureey. “This is part of a larger trend of Al-Shabaab fighters choosing to abandon the group and surrender to the government,” Dhagey said, noting the government’s continued efforts to weaken the militant organization’s influence.
Recent months have seen a growing number of Al-Shabaab members leaving the group, often seeking amnesty or protection from Somali security forces. Officials see this increase in defections as a sign of Al-Shabaab’s diminishing influence, particularly as government forces expand their reach and maintain pressure in formerly militant-controlled areas.