KISMAYO, Somalia-Former Al Shabaab cleric Sheikh Abdullahi Dalab has been shot dead in the southern port city of Kismayo, a few hours after Jubaland displayed bodies of militants, Garowe Online reports. 

Dalab who was also a poet defected from Al Shabaab over years ago, and has since been working with Jubaland authorities. 

Unknown assailants armed with pistols gunned him down at a junction in Kismayo’s Alanleyneighborhood according to witnesses and police on Wednesday.

--Corpses on display  

Senior Jubaland security officials led by Minister for Security Abdirashid Hassan Nur witnessed a media event during which they displayed Al Shabaab corpses.  

Jubaland forces along with Somali National Army (SNA) troops killed 16 militants in a joint operation in Bulagadud, 30km north of Kismayo.

Wanted militant commanders including Mohamed Mohamud (known as Dulyadayn) whom Kenya accuses of being the mastermind of a series of terror attacks on its soil was among those killed. 

Two other Al Shabaab officials identified as Moalim Ishaq, explosives expert and Farhan, a notorious representative in Juba regions were also killed in the anti-terror raid.  Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) has vowed to liberate areas remaining under the control of militants.

GAROWEONLINE