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| Africa Horn | |
| 600 arrested in Baidoa security sweep | |
| 2013-12-16 | |
| BAIDOA, Somalia -- Somali Federal Government security forces arrested 600 suspects in door-to-door security operation in Bay regional capital of Baidoa of southern Somalia following an attack on pre-planned targets by Al Shabaab militants, Garowe Online reports. Baidoa Police Station Chief, Col. Mahad Abdirahman told the media that they are aiming to cleanse Al Shabaab remnants of Baidoa to combat organized crimes and insecurity incidents. "Many Al Shabaab members have infiltrated into the town and this is clean-up operation to prevent Al Shabaab from carrying out bombings with the help of the residents," said Abdirahman. The security forces captured 600 people but those who are found not-guilty of the criminal activities will be released soon, the police commander added.
Suspected Al Shabaab militants Thursday night attacked buildings housing Somali Federal Government officials including former parliament speakers Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan and Sheikh Adan Madobe, court officials and Baidoa mayor. Baidoa is hosting a convention aimed to push the local communities of Bay and Bakool regions into autonomy under Provision Federal Constitution (PFC) of Somalia. | |
| Posted by:Steve White |