Federal government give details of senior Al-shabab leader who surrendered
The federal government of Somalia has given out details of senior Al-shabab leader who surrender to the government forces in a border town Elwak district on Saturday.
Col. Abass Gurey Ibrahim, the commander government forces in Gedo and Juba regions speaking to VOA Somali service said the senior Al-shabab leader Zakariye Ismail Hersi together with his secretary are under custody.
He added that Zakariye confirmed to them that he escaped from Al-shabab due to pressure from within.
Zakariye and his secretary might be moved to Mogadishu for further interrogation.
Other unconfirmed reports state that Zakariye has not surrendered but the security forces arrested him while hiding in Elwak villages following tip-offs from the public.
Zakariye among senior Al-Shabab officials whom the Obama USA offered rewards for giving valuable information leading to their capture.
Despite the surrender of senior Al-shabab leaders and the murder of their leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, the group still remain a potential threat to the federal government, on 25th December Al-shabab attacked Halane base, AMISOM’s main base in the capital Mogadishu, one of the most fortified areas.