OSINT SUMMARY
Sunday 8th November 2015, an Al Shabaab militant allegedly surrendered to Jubbaland forces in Afmadow district in Lower Juba region.
Aar Sheikh Ali, area security boss confirmed the news of the returnee surrendering saying that the fighter armed with an AK 47 riffle surrendered to the government forces at his own accord.
The militant now identified as Barkhadle Shugri Adan was a member of the Al Qaeda branch in Somalia for several years.
Barkhadle who was taken in for debrief by the government forces gave several reasons for surrendering to the authorities.
Notably, Barkhadle revealed how his life has been in the terrorist camp and how he had been arrested, tortured for allegedly spying for Kenyan and Somali troops in the region.
The defector shed light on horror experiences Al Shabaab fighters go through whilst in the terrorist camps saying many were forced to join Al Shabaab and it had become a nightmare for them.
Al Shabaab fighters also live under very harsh conditions in their hideouts and supplies such as food, water and medicine are hardly available.
In the month of November, Barkhadle Shugri is the second militant among many others willing to surrender to the government.
Aar Sheikh Ali has welcomed the defectors from the terrorist group who are ready to surrender and denounce violence; promised government with do everything to protect them as they pursue to integrate back to the society.
