Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) infiltrated and dismantled an al Shabaab sleeper cell operating in the country’s capital, Mogadishu. The dismantled cell is believed to be part of the bomb-making network for the terror organization in the capital.
NISA revealed that explosives, electronics, large amounts of black explosive powder, wires, rocket-propelled grenades were recovered from the scene. Additionally, disassembled computed, small plastic containers, black substances in boxes and wires were recovered key components in bomb-making. The herein mentioned materials are fundamental for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and appeared to match ones recovered from bombs within Mogadishu.
NISA has been ramping up operations on al Shabaab cells, members as well as sympathizers have been facilitating the group’s activities especially in Mogadishu. The latest culprit of the security sweep was a singer who was a member of a music band associated with Benadir local government in Mogadishu.
Al Shabaab have been using sleeper cells in Mogadishu due to their discrete nature to access highly secure locations and are able to operate, blend in without being detected. Also, covert IED units have in the past ensured that the objective pursued by the al Qaeda affiliate is achieved which has contributed to the highest recorded casualties in the past.
