Three Al-Shabaab recruits surrendered to Puntland government

Three suspected Al-Shabaab recruit has surrendered to the semi-autonomous regional state of Puntland in coastal city Bossaso barely five months Puntland forces engaged in gun battle with Al-Shabaab fighters.

According Puntland officials, the recruits voluntarily turned themselves  after walking for several kilometres from Galgala mountaiins.

Bari governor, Yussuf Mohamed Wa’ays  said the defectors joined the militia some years back after dropping out of school.

“We have interviewed them, and we are convinced that they are of sound mind. We believe they are Al-Shabaab defectors. they told us that they are tired of the group’s activities,” he said.

Wa’ays  said those who are going to surrender and denounce violence, would be treated in dignified manner.

“I appeal to all youth who have joined the group for one reason or the other to come out and either present themselves to the nearest police station or  without fear of prosecution or mistreatment,” he said.

Late 2015, formerly UK-based Abdul Qadir Mumin who was among top Al-Shabaab officials had sworn loyalty to ISIS.

Mumin who is currently based in the mountainous Puntland region of northern Somalia, has been leading handful fighters in the region.

Earlier this year, Somali commandos destroyed an Islamic State training camp in a raid in Southern Somalia.