​Somalia: Al Shabaab suspects nabbed in Jowhar following bomb attack

JOWHAR, Somalia- Somali security forces have carried out a security sweep in Jowhar town, the interim seat of Hirshabelle state, whereby scores of suspects were arrested on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

A security official told GO that forces have conducted search operations in several neighborhoods and houses in the southern town and arrested suspects in relation to a grenade attack on local elder's house.

Monday's crackdown in Jowhar came after unknown assailants hurled a grenade bomb into a house belonging to Sheikh Muse, a well-known elder said to have involved in the formation process of Hirshabelle state.

A member of the elder's security guard was killed in the bomb blast, while several other civilians were wounded, and admitted to a local hospital, where they are currently being treated, according to residents.

The suspects are currently held at the police station and under ongoing investigation to probe possible links with militant group Al Shabaab, said the security official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack in Jowhar, about 90 km North of Mogadishu.

GAROWEONLINE