NISA parades photos of alleged militants it said are defectors

[Deeq A.]

Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said nine operatives from armed group al-Shabaab have surrendered in Gedo region last week.

NISA added in a Twitter post that among them are two key figures holding senior positions.

“Nine al-Shabaab members surrendered in Gedo region last week alone, one from the propaganda section and another from library department.”

The Somali government has reiterated its calls for amnesty to al-Shabaab defectors since the group was pushed out of the capital in 2011.

High profile figures gave up the idea since then including former leader Mukhtar Robow Mansour.

The development comes as security agencies across the country heightened security during the holy month of Ramadan.

Somali Police force foiled inland explosive devices near the capital Mogadishu.

Security agencies said minibus with explosives was intercepted by the security officers before it exploded.

Meanwhile, Somali Police Force Deputy Commander, Colonel Zakia Hussein train security agencies recovered arsenal in Marka.

They seized a significant cache of landmines and IEDs following an operation, as many as 12 landmines and other explosives were recovered.

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