Al-Shabaab block humanitarian response in L. Shabelle

Al-Shabaab fighters have sealed off several areas near Qoryoley district in Lower Shabelle region denying residents access to humanitarian help.

Mohamed Abdi Gaashan, the deputy security commander in the region told Goobjoog News that people in the area are currently facing flooding problems from river Shabelle and Al-Shabaab have strictly banned any assistance in the areas they control forcing thousands of people to stay helpless.

Gaashan also added that Al-Shabaab militants have also in the last days increased attacks on government security bases in Qoryoley town.

The militants are reported to have warned residents against any contact with humanitarian agencies or government officials threatening execution.

Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia have before imposed a ban on humanitarian assistance in several areas they control across the country, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to choose between death from starvation and disease or brutal punishment.

Goobjoog News