(15-09-23) MOGADISHU — On Friday, Yusuf Sheikh Hassan, a member of extremist group al-Shabaab for 12 years, surrendered to the Somali National Army in the Bakool region, signalling possible internal discord within the militant organisation.
Known by the alias Malaq UK, Hassan was responsible for treating the group’s militias. He cited a climate of growing mistrust and fear as the reasons for his defection. “The person who is suspected will be punished. That’s why I am taking advantage of the government’s amnesty,” Hassan said.
The Somali Ministry of Defence corroborated Hassan’s surrender in an official statement: “Long-time Khawarij member Yusuf Sheikh Hassan surrenders to our National Army in Bakool region. Their ranks are breaking; their resolve is crumbling.” The term ‘Khawarij’ is an Islamic term often used to describe rebels who have gone against legitimate authority. The Ministry further warned, “Our message is clear: accept our amnesty offer or face the consequences.”
According to security analysts, Hassan’s surrender could be indicative of deeper fissures within al-Shabaab, especially as the government of Somalia has ramped up military offensives against the group in recent months. Official statistics reveal a 50% increase in aerial attacks against al-Shabaab targets, supported by international allies.
The Somali government continues to extend its amnesty offer to militants willing to abandon the group, looking to capitalize on internal divisions within its ranks.
Halqabsi News
