Somalia: Security forces arrest suspects in connection with truck seizure

BOSASO, Puntland- The security forces of Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland, have arrested a key suspect in connection to the recent seizure of truck carrying explosives-making materials at Bosaso entrance checkpoint on Wednesday morning, Garowe Online reports.

Yesterday, a truck loaded with vegetables arrived from Baladwayne town destined to Bosaso city was stopped at the entrance checkpoint for search, whereas the officers noticed cashes of explosive-making materials, radios and detonators. The officers seized the truck and the two suspects on board.

Security officials told GO under a condition of anonymity that they have arrested another suspect who was supposed to receive the items in Bosaso. The suspect whose name identified as Farah is believed to be connected to a militant group in Bari region.

The authorities contacted Farah using the suspects’ phone and asked him the point of delivery at a Mosque in market in Bosaso city before apprehending him along with two other men.

The suspects were driving a vehicle that is locally used to transport milk from remote areas outskirts of Bosaso.

Sources added the police officers who disguised as the drivers of the seized truck asked Farah about the origin of the loads promoted him to reveal details and names of people who loaded the shipment that are considered to be crucial information for the investigation.

Further reports indicated that Farah hails from Ma’agta village in Galgala mountains, also believed to be an al-Shabaab agent in Bosaso city and accused of facilitating movement of militants between Galgala and Bosaso, said the sources.

The drivers of the seized truck and suspects who loaded the truck are reported to hail from Hiiran region in Hirshabelle state. Authorities said they have made contact to the owner of the truck who denied any involvement in the case. 

Tension is high in Hiiran region as clans are reported to be in disagreement over the arrest of men over possession of bomb-making materials in Puntland region.

Earlier today, Puntland Security Minister has criticized security officers at control points in southern borders and blamed them for not fulfilling their duties to deter smuggling of bomb-making materials to the region.

GAROWEONLINE