Somali forces capture 12 suspected Al-Shabaab operatives in South-West Region

Somalia’s SouthWest state intelligence agency unveiled 12 suspected Al-Shabaab operatives captured during a recent operation near Baydhabo town. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) accuses the group of carrying out a range of activities for the armed Islamist group, including extortion, plotting assassinations, and deploying nighttime bombings.

“These individuals working together in groups, were apprehended by the forces following a multi-day operation encompassing Baydhabo city and the surrounding areas,” a government media statement said.

NISA stated that it will bring the suspects before a military court to answer for their crimes.

Fighting Al-Shabaab has been a top priority for the Somali government since President Hassan Mohamud took office. However, recent months have seen a slowdown in offensive operations against the group.