Al Shabaab rebels surrender in Somalia
- 12 years ago
Surrendering to the enemy - these al Shabaab fighters in Somalia give themselves up.
More than 200 members of the al-Qaeda linked-militant group surrendered to African Union and Somalia government soldiers in this town about 80km north of Mogadishu - on Saturday.
An Africa Union regional commander said more were likely to surrender as negotiations continued.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMISOM MIDDLE SHABELLE REGION COMMANDER, COLONEL STEPHEN MUGERWA, SAYING:
"They are ready to work with us, they are ready to work with the Somalia National force, they are ready, because they want to build their country."
The move will likely bolster government and Africa Union preparations for an onslaught on the southern city of Kismayu - currently the last bastion of the militant group.
If routed, Al Shabaab are expected to retreat to the hinterlands, resorting once again to suicide bombings and targeted assasinations.
Somalia has witnessed a wave of attacks since its new assembly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to power earlier this month.
Militants have branded the political newcomer a 'traitor' heading a government serving only Western interests.
More than 200 members of the al-Qaeda linked-militant group surrendered to African Union and Somalia government soldiers in this town about 80km north of Mogadishu - on Saturday.
An Africa Union regional commander said more were likely to surrender as negotiations continued.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMISOM MIDDLE SHABELLE REGION COMMANDER, COLONEL STEPHEN MUGERWA, SAYING:
"They are ready to work with us, they are ready to work with the Somalia National force, they are ready, because they want to build their country."
The move will likely bolster government and Africa Union preparations for an onslaught on the southern city of Kismayu - currently the last bastion of the militant group.
If routed, Al Shabaab are expected to retreat to the hinterlands, resorting once again to suicide bombings and targeted assasinations.
Somalia has witnessed a wave of attacks since its new assembly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to power earlier this month.
Militants have branded the political newcomer a 'traitor' heading a government serving only Western interests.