Al-Shabaab kidnaps more locals in Somalia
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Staff reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 04-01-2023, 10:25AM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Al-Shabaab militants continued to wreak havoc in the country through the latest tactic of abducting locals after losing strategic towns in the country following clan mobilization which has successfully made them flee from most parts of the Horn of Africa nation.
On Monday, the militants reportedly kidnapped dozens of people in Beerhana and Dhoqor villages about 30 kilometers south of Beledweyne town within the Hiiraan region. This was the second time the militants were abducting innocent civilians within a week in Somalia.
Locals said the militants kidnapped about 20 farmers from Hawadale clan and crossed with them over River Shabelle. The militants have been targeting farmers who are important in food production within the country which is struggling with drought and possible famine.
Last week, reports indicate, the militants kidnapped nine people in Halgan District after ambushing them in the vehicle in which they were traveling in. They crossed over with the people in Shabelle River to Western Hiiraan where they are in full control.
Although the motive behind the latest strategy is not known, the militants have been revenging against Macawisley militia who have been mobilizing against their dominance. The clan militia together with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and US Africa Command have managed to liberate several towns.
In most cases, the Al-Shabaab uses those kidnapped for extortion purposes as they look for money to fund their illegal activities in the country. The families of abductees are forced to pay some fee in the exchange for freedom and the practice has been going on for quite some time.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed optimism that the militants will be defeated soon following the ongoing operation across the country.
Al-Shabaab controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia but has lost key areas in the last four months following the operation to flush them by security forces.
GAROWE ONLINE
