Somalia’s Puntland says 53 terror and piracy suspects arrested

GALKAYO, Somalia 31 July 2012 (Garowe Online) - Government forces have arrested 53 persons suspected of links to terrorism and piracy crimes in Puntland State of Somalia, according to a statement from Puntland Ministry of Security, Garowe Online reports.

The Ministry’s press release stated that the operation is “part of an extensive security campaign” and that the suspects arrested included Al Shabaab terror group members, piracy financiers, and suspected associates of notorious pirate kingpin Isse Yuluh, wanted by Puntland authorities.

The statement indicated that Puntland’s government has “intensified security operations since the 11 July 2012 kidnapping of three Kenyan aid workers near Galkayo,” Puntland’s second largest city located at the state’s boundary with erstwhile chaotic regions in south-central Somalia.

“Puntland police are conducting thorough investigations regarding these cases,” concluded the press statement issued by Puntland Ministry of Security.

Government officials in Puntland have repeatedly accused Al Shabaab terror group of organizing targeted killings of prominent individuals in Puntland, while officials also accuse pirates of increasing the proliferation of small arms and related violence.

GAROWE ONLINE