Somalia: Puntland leader extends amnesty offer to militants by a month

GALGALA, Somalia Dec 2, 2014 (Garowe Online)-The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has extended amnesty offer to militants fighting alongside Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group by one month during a news conference in the rugged terrain of Galgala on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports. 

“We give Al Shabaab members a new opportunity, the government extended the previous 45-day deadline for one month,” said Ali, adding that his adminsitration will concentrate on repatriation of fleeing Galgala farmers.

Puntland leader once again reiterated government’s commitment to the elimination of terror threats.

Galgala is rich in agriculture ,and more than hundred families remain displaced as a result of fierce clashes between army troops and militants.

Ministers and Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Saed Mohamed Hirsi (Saed Dhere) were accompaying Ali on his surprise visit to Gagala frontline.

Meanwhile, insiders confirmed to GO that militants fired mortar shells from their hidouts over the course of the visit to army positions.

Puntland forces have engaged in sporadic battles with Al Shabaab fighters on battlegrounds near Golis Mountain ranges.

On October 13, United Nations investigators lambasted Puntland leadership for failing to address the upsurge in extremism in the relatively calm state.

As a result of intense military campaign in south-central regions, militants have begun to migrate northwards towards rough hotbeds in Galgala , and along Golis.

GAROWE ONLINE