Somali army seizes explosive-laden vehicle and terrorists

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] on Wednesday seized an explosive-laden vehicle, a move that may have as well prevented a possible attack in the country amid ongoing Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic calendar.

State media reported that the vehicle was seized in Guriel town in the Galgadud region of Galmadug state, but the intention of the occupants was not immediately known. Guriel town has been a battleground for security forces and Al-Shabaab militants.

The Somali National Army said two occupants of the vehicle were immediately arrested and ate currently being grilled by authorities. It's not clear where the men were driving the vehicle to but preliminary reports show they could be Al-Shabaab members.

"Somali National Army seized an explosive-laden vehicle and 2 male occupants on the outskirts of Guri-el town in Galgadud region in the early hours of Wednesday. The 2 men are now in Police custody for further investigation," local security officials confirmed to State Media.

The army along with security partners from African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] have been conducting operations against the militants across the country for months now. A fortnight ago, the militants killed at least 60 people across the country.

Also, the US Africa Command is contemplating deploying troops to Somalia, over a year after their exit. Reports indicate most members of the Pentagon and those from the Senate want the army to be redeployed to the Horn of Africa nation to help in the Al-Shabaab war.

The United Nations in Somalia said 1,170 Somali civilians were either killed or injured in improvised explosive devices in two years. 501 civilians were killed or injured in 2020; that figure rose to 669 casualties in 2021. Al-Shabaab carries out most IED attacks in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE