Senior Al-Shabab explosives expert on Sunday surrendered to the government of Somalia, military officials confirmed.
Ismail Khalif Shire, the commander of 60th Battalion of Somali Army said Adow Moalim Issack defected to the government forces in Bakool region.
Issack reportedly led Al-Shabab operation and headed explosives assembling sectors in several regions including Benadir, Bay, Bakool, Gedo , Lower Jubba and some areas in central regions.
” Al-Shabab Amir who is the group’s head of Experts surrendered to the government side. He is now under our custody,” Shire said.
The commander said the man planned and executed bombing operations against the troops serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia.
“This leader seems to have a wealth of information and accepted to collaborate with the security agencies therefore he will be investigated,” he noted.
The surrender of Issack comes less than a month after Somali President; Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo extended amnesty to Al-Shabab fighters who give themselves up from the group’s violence.
“Despite the trouble caused by Al-Shabab, many the group’s young members were misled, therefore, we want to pardon the Somali youth who are willing to surrender,” said Farmajo during a keynote speech at the Parliament early this month.
Somali government has recently increased operations to annihilate the group from several regions in the country.
In February, Somali National Army (SNA) siezed Al-Shabab main broadcaster, radio Andulus in an operation in Lower Shabelle region.
The confiscated equipment of the radio was handed over to the government authorities in Mogadishu.
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