Beledweyne (Halbeeg News) – Six traditional elders have been arrested in Beledweyne town in central Somalia. The elders were accused of cooperating with al-Shabaab fighters.
In a statement, Somali National Army (SNA) said the elders violated the government’s directive to cut links with or cooperate with Al-Shabaab.
The elders reportedly travelled to Al-Shabaab-controlled areas in the Hiiraan region where they held talks with the group’s leaders.
According to the local authorities, the elders inked an agreement with Al-Shabaab and promised to withdraw their clan forces from the ongoing offensive.
Last Sunday, a Somali military court sentenced in Mogadishu three elders named Omar Mohamed Jimale Adan [Omar Faninte], Ali Ahmed Hayle Araalle [Ali Yare], and Sugaal Warsame Ali Yarow to five years in prison for cooperating with Al-Shabaab in central Somalia.
Somalia with the help of international partners including front-line countries has been fighting al-Shabaab for more than a decade. The government seized large territories including the capital following fierce fighting against the group’s militants.
Despite the loss of towns and villages to Somali and continental forces, the group is still capable of carrying out deadly attacks in many parts of the country.
The group also attacks military bases manned by the Somali national army and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.
Discussion about this post