(19 Aug 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – An Al-Shabaab militant surrendered to government forces on Monday morning in Mesagawa village, near El Dheer district, Galgaduud region. The fighter, identified as Ilyas, also known as Ali Said within Al-Shabaab, had joined the group in Masjid Ali Gudud, Middle Shabelle, serving as a low-ranking foot soldier.
His surrender followed contact with Somali security forces, who arranged his safe defection by escorting him from an area outside Mesagawa. Al-Shabaab has been hit by a series of defections in recent months, including some senior figures in Galmudug State, largely due to ongoing military operations against the group.
Halqabsi News
