NISA seizes house used by Al-Shabab for IED preparation

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) soldiers have raided a house in Karaan district after heavy explosion occurred inside the house, ministry security says.

At least one person who was reportedly preparing improvised explosive device (IED) has died in the house whose occupiers are said to be Al-Shabab sympathisers.

Spokesperson for security ministry, Mohamed Yussuf said that the house is seized by Somali government especially NISA. There are underway investigations on suspects arrested from the house.

“NISA has foiled attacks after the soldiers raided Al-Shabab members who were preparing improvised explosive device in a house, the group intended to target the civilians but fortunately their plan was aborted” he said.

Karaan deputy district commissioner said that Al-Shabab secret cells who have been operating in the district have dismantled yesterday after one of them died in the process of IED making which detonated accidently.

Meanwhile, Al-Shabab fighters have also stepped up raids on government institutions and military bases and hotels for the last two months.

The group has carried out several deadly attacks on Government institutions, army camps and hotels including the recent Jazeera Palace hotel near the city’s airport which killed more ten people and injuring over 25 others.

Al-Shabab has been weakened as a military and political force since being driven out of the Somali capital Mogadishu by African Union forces. Since then, the group has lost several other important towns including Barawe, Kismayu, Bardhere and Diinsoor which it relied on as a source of revenue and supplies.