(06 Aug 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – Somali security forces have apprehended a man believed to be al-Shabaab’s head of zakat (tax collection) for the central Galgaduud region. The suspect, named by state media, was captured in Marergur village, northeast of Dhusamareb, on July 30th.
Major Idris Mohamed Sheikh, who led the operation, confirmed the capture and revealed the suspect’s alleged history with al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Diriye, dating back over a decade. The man is said to have worked closely with Diriye when the latter served as the militant group’s shadow governor of Bay and Bakool regions.
Before his capture, the suspect reportedly led al-Shabaab’s extortion efforts in Galgaduud and had previously commanded the group’s operations in the Middle Shabelle region before its liberation. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has been tracking the suspect for some time, and he is now undergoing investigation.
This arrest comes as al-Shabaab’s insurgency shows renewed activity, coinciding with the conclusion of the first phase of the government’s offensive. Officials have indicated that a second, more intensive phase of operations against the group is imminent.
Halqabsi News
