Somalia: Al-Shabab suspect arrested over 'planned terror attack'

MOGADISHU, Somalia - An alleged militant of the terror group Al-Shabab has been arrested in the Somali capital, Mogadishu for reportedly planning a deadly attack, Garowe Online reports.

In a Twitter post, Somalia’s intelligence and security agency (NISA) said the unnamed extremist was captured as he tried to carry out a grenade assault in the city that could cause a terrible loss of human life.

The spy agency did not give further details on the prime target of the foiled bombing and when the security forces apprehended the suspect who is currently being grilled at a detention center run by NISA.

Last month, Somali police in Mogadishu arrested a young man said to be the mastermind of a bomb fitted into a vehicle that exploded at the busy K-5 junction, wounding at least two pedestrians.

The capital has been on alert following numerous deadly attacks in recent years claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab group, which is waging a decade-long insurgency to topple the Un-backed Somali Government.

The most deadly was committed on 14th October 2017 when an explosives-filled truck went off in the K-5 lined with businesses, hotels and government offices, killing 587 people and wounding many others.

No group has so far claimed credit for the country’s deadliest single attack, however, the Government blamed Al-Shabab for being behind the carnage and executed one militant on the eve of the first anniversary. 

GAROWE ONLINE