107 terror sympathizers, including leaders, teenagers, and women, from the terrorist Al-Shabaab militias associated with Al-Qaeda, have surrendered themselves to the federal government in various areas within the states of Hirshabelle, Galmudug, South West, and Jubaland.
Announcement was made during a press conference held on Thursday evening by Mr Abdullah Mohamed Noor, the Senior Adviser to the President for Countering Extremist Ideology and the Director-General of the National “Topsan” Center for Preventing and Combating Violent Extremist Ideology.
Mr Abdullah Mohamed Noor stated, “The surrendered individuals have decided to submit to the authorities responsible for counterterrorism efforts, renouncing their extremist beliefs and the crimes committed by the Al-Shabaab militias affiliated with the terrorist Al-Qaeda organization against innocent civilians.”
The Senior Adviser to the President for Countering Extremist Ideology also mentioned that those who surrendered would undergo legal procedures and would be considered for inclusion in the general presidential amnesty initiative. Following the completion of counseling sessions designed for defectors, they will be reintegrated into society.
Noor urged all fighters within the ranks of defeated terrorist militias to take advantage of the state’s amnesty initiative for those who surrender as soon as possible.
The “Topsan” National Center for Preventing and Combating Violent Extremist Ideology also notifies all parents whose children are involved in terrorism or are at risk of recruitment to immediately contact the center or relevant authorities.