Foreign Al-Shabaab militants captured by Somali forces in Hiiraan

Somali government forces, working with local militias, have captured two foreign nationals linked to Al-Shabaab during an operation in Hiiraan's Farlibah area. The recent operation aimed at diminishing Al-Shabaab's influence in the region also saw a Somali militant surrender to the authorities.

Ahmed Adan Hassan, a local official in Farlibah, confirmed the successful capture, emphasizing that the forces will continue their efforts against Al-Shabaab. "The government forces and local militias captured these foreign citizens without incident," Hassan said, adding that the Somali man who surrendered had escaped from the militant group and sought amnesty under a government program.

Hassan did not specify which nationality the suspects —  who appear to be African —  hailed from.

The capture follows a similar operation in July 2024 in the nearby Beerayabaal area, where an Ethiopian Al-Shabaab fighter, identified by his distinctive tattoos, was captured. The capture of these foreign fighters highlights the growing presence of non-Somali militants within Al-Shabaab, a group that has increasingly relied on foreign recruits as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) phases out.

The Ethiopian militants are part of Al-Shabaab's pan-East African force, known as Muhajirin, which includes fighters from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. This development raises concerns as ATMIS is set to complete its drawdown by the end of 2024, potentially leaving a security vacuum that could enable Al-Shabaab to regain strength.

In response to these concerns, the African Union Peace and Security Council has proposed the creation of a new AU-led, United Nations-funded force to replace ATMIS. 

The captured fighters from the latest operation have been handed over to military authorities in Beledweyne as Somali forces continue their efforts to secure Hiiraan and prevent Al-Shabaab from reestablishing its foothold. The ongoing collaboration between government forces and local militias has been instrumental in weakening Al-Shabaab's control in eastern Hiiraan.