MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian)- Somalia’s government has detained a military commander and an undisclosed number of soldiers for abandoning their posts during a rapidly escalating counter-offensive by the militant group Al-Shabaab in the Middle Shabelle region, Caasimada Online news website reported on Monday.
Hassan Ali Nur, known as Shute, the chief of Somalia’s military court, confirmed the arrests while addressing troops in camps near frontline towns. He warned that soldiers who desert their posts will face severe consequences, urging troops to remain steadfast even if their commanders flee.
“If the commander dies, the mission continues. So, if he flees, treat him as dead,” Shute told soldiers in frontline areas.
The arrests come as Al-Shabaab intensifies its counter-offensive in the Middle Shabelle region, capturing several villages and towns. The militant group’s advances have caused significant disarray among Somali forces, with many soldiers fleeing to the capital, Mogadishu.
This development highlights the challenges facing Somalia’s military as it struggles to contain Al-Shabaab’s resurgence.
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