Somalia: Police thwart bomb attack, nab militants

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Police officer says at least two Al-Shabaab suspects have been rounded up by the security forces in Baidoa city, the interim administrative capital of Southwest State of Somalia following a tip-off from the public.

The militants were nabbed as they try to plant a landmine on a main street in the strategic city, which is largely protected by Ethiopian troops serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM].

Ahmed Ali, a senior police official has told Garowe Online that a bomb squad had been called in the area and to dismantle the improvised explosive device [IED] in which could cause casualties if the terror mission succeed.  

Baidoa, about 232 kilometers southwest of the capital, Mogadishu has enjoyed relative peace for the past years as local security personnel with the support of AU forces heightened their alert from Al-Shabaab plots.

The country is expected to hold indirect elections by the end of this year with authorities working around the clock to create a peaceful environment to execute the voting exercise in all Federal States and Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab poses still a threat to national security after the Al-Qaeda-linked group staged deadly attacks in the country, killing thousands of people in the decade-long insurgency aimed to oust the UN-backed government.

The U.S. is planning to pull out American soldiers in Somalia estimated between 500-800 highly trained personnel after President Trump has asked his top advisors last week to draw up an exit strategy.

The surprise decision has shocked the weak government in Mogadishu which is heavily dependent on foreign forces protecting it from Al-Shabaab. President Farmajo called for continued security partnership after Trump's remarks. 

GAROWE ONLINE