Al-Shabaab commander surrenders to Somalia forces

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A senior Al-Shabaab commander in Somalia has surrendered to the National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA] forces in Somalia, just before the activation of the second phase of operations against the group, an indication of huge strides made by the security forces in liberating the country.

Abdirahman Macalin Ahmed alias Abu Sa'eed or Sharif has been a member of the group since its inception in 2006, holding various positions before his decision to quit on Sunday. He joins hundreds of people who have quit the group which preaches violent ideology in the Horn of Africa nation.

Preliminary investigations show Ahmed has held a number of strategic positions in the Al-Qaeda-linked group, key among them being head of Al-Shabaab's Banadir Regional Court, General head of Al-Shabaab's Court, and advisor to the late leader Ahmed Godane who was killed in a US-led airstrike in 2014.

Ahmed also served as head of extortion collection in the Lower Shabelle region and his decision to down tools has been termed as "most important victory for Somali forces" as they enter the crucial phase in the elimination of the group. Al-Shabaab has a huge presence in central and southern regions but has lately lost in a number of fronts.

His surrender comes just days after the US Africa Command fired drones at the group's headquarters in Jilib town, injuring Osman Mohamed Abdi alias Moallim Osman, the man in charge of external operations within the group. Moalim is said to be unconscious according to multiple sources.

The militants attacked a Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] military base on Friday killing several soldiers, triggering fresh debate about their strength. Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, who recently oversaw the training of Somali troops in Kampala, threatened that the militants will "regret their actions".

Somalia has been fighting Al-Shabaab militants for the last 16 years and over the years, some progress has been made. Within the next few months, it is anticipated that the Somali National Army will be fully in charge of security responsibilities within the country ahead of the exit of the African Union Transition Mission troops.

GAROWE ONLINE