OSINT SUMMARY, April 18, 2016
A high ranking Al-Shabaab commander turned himself in to the Somali army at a village near Galcad town in Galgudud region of central Somalia on Sunday.
According to Somali National Army Commander in Galgudud region, Colonel Ahmed Mohamed told media reporters that a senior Al-Shabaab commander identified as Ahmed Mohamud Afrah accepted amnesty and surrendered to the government.
"He was Al-Shabaab commander in charge of zakat (levy on wealth) collection in this region. He had communication with us and told us that he is planning to leave his militant group," Colonel Mohamed said.
Somali federal government continues to welcome any of the terrorist fighters defecting from the insurgent group.
Colonel Mohamed revealed that many Al-Shabaab militants have expressed their willingness to surrender and join peace process under amnesty extended by the government.
FORCED INTO THE JIHADIST RANKS
The Al-Shabaab commander (Afrah) cited imminent death of vanity whilst fighting in the ranks of the Islamist group saying there was no freedom in the militant group but slavery.
"Circumstances and fear from the group led me join the Al-Shabaab fighters and accept to hold such position, but I had no freedom inside the group any time. I decided to accept amnesty offer and join my people and the Somali government forces in order to live in peace and without any worry. I am happy, the government officials welcomed me well," Afrah was quoted in an interview.
RECENTLY KILLED FIGHTERS
The Al Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab in the recent past months has suffered huge blows. U.S. drone strikes killing dozens militants and commanders as well as being dislodged from key towns/localities to AMISOM and SNA forces.
On April 5, SNA through a statement confirmed that it had killed six commanders of the terrorist group in Somali’s lower Shabelle region.
Other high value Al-Shabaab figures killed include ‘judge’ in Janaale town,a Kenyan trainer for the group identified as Sheikh Mansur, Hassan Ali Dhore –Chief Amnyaat commander of lower Shabelle region, and Yemeni explosives expert –Abu Islam.
this guy was capture in Puntland,3/14/2016, Garcad,city that war Alshabaab Safar a lot of casualties,