A high-profile Islamist militant commander of Al Shabaab surrendered to Somali government after defecting from the terror group.
The terror figure identified as Aden Abdi Mohamed and also known as “Aden Obe” was an Al-Shabaab’s Social Affairs. Obe defected to government forces near Bardare town in Gedo region.
He was airlifted to the capital Mogadishu by NISA officers shortly after his surrender to security agencies.
Obe and another unnamed senior figure met Somali government officials 15-kilometer outskirts of Bardere where they surrendered themselves.
According to Deputy Governor of Gedo region, Mohamed Hussein Al-Qaadi the two figures have been in contact with federal government officials who convinced them to defect saying their defection is a big blow to Al-Shabaab.
Somali intelligence sources report that Aden Abdi Mohamed known as “Aden Obe” held various positions with Al-Qaeda linked group in recent years including consultative council member, and head of social affairs and most recently, he worked for Al-Shabaab as head of logistics in Lower Jubba region.
Obe was also previously a member of the Islamic Courts Union which ruled south-central Somalia for six months in 2006.
Obe was interrogated by intelligence officials in Somali capital Mogadishu over his defection.
There was no immediate comment from Al Shabaab over the defections.
