Puntland Government’s security forces have arrested suspected members of Al Shabaab terrorist group in two separate security operations.
On Nov. 17, Puntland security forces using intelligence information arrested a man identified as Al Shabaab head of assassinations (Amniyat) Mohamud Nuh Aden (known as Abu Hafsa) in Galkayo,
whose capture allowed security forces to track down a second man identified as Al Shabaab logistics officer Abdirizak Hussein Tahlil (known as Ilka’ase).
Abu Hafsa, who hails from Somaliland regions in northwestern Somalia, is former head of security for Al Shabaab chief Ahmed Abdi Godane (alias Muktar Abdirahman Abu Zubeyr) and was former head of assassinations (Amniyat) for Banadir,
Lower Shabelle, and Middle Shabelle regions in southern Somalia.
Puntland intelligence confirms that Abu Hafsa was dispatched to Puntland regions by Godane to assess the possible ways of smuggling Al Shabaab terrorists and weapons to Golis Mountains Range of Puntland and to conduct terrorism operations in Puntland urban centers.
In the past, it was known that Abu Hafsa visited to Golis Mountains in Puntland for an assessment trip,
travelling from southern Somalia via Burao and briefly visiting his family in Hargeisa.
The materials seized by Puntland security forces in Galkayo intended to be used for attacks on government and civilian targets in Puntland, include:
Suicide bomb jackets; F1 hand grenades; Three types of explosives powder, including TNT;
Home-made tin cans with bombs inside; Mobile phones and remote controllers;
Wires, switches and fuses; Watches and batteries; Magnifier;
Also on Nov. 17, Puntland security forces in Buraan village arrested nine Somali young men of which seven are from non-Puntland clans,
including an individual known to be a guide for Al Shabaab in the mountains. They were arrested near a known entry point at the foothills of the Golis Mountains,
but they paradoxically told authorities that they are traveling to Bossaso.
Puntland investigators are currently questioning this group and the suspects will face terrorism charges in Puntland courts.
Puntland Government praises its forces for conducting successful operations to prevent attacks and to strengthen the security of Puntland.
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