Ehlu-Sunna leaders surrender to SNA

Ahlu-Sunna leaders in Dhusamareb town of central Somalia have turned themselves into the Somali military barely a day after heavy that saw close to ten people killed.

The group’s spiritual leader Moalim Mohamud Hassan and Sheikh Mohamed Shakir the group’s political leader are currently under Somali army custody. 

In a homemade video, Sheikh Mohamed Shakir said they have ended their confrontation with Somali government. He said they have handed over all security responsibilities to the federal government.

There were earlier reports the leaders had opted to surrender to AMISOM but following talks, they turned themselves in to the national army.

Fighting broke out in Dhusamareb and Guriel towns Friday leading to deaths as both sides marshalled reinforcements. Pictures from the Dhusamareb show Alhu Sunna’s headquarters- Inji compound, damaged and the roof caved in.

The fighting resulted in seven deaths with civilians caught in the crossfire.

A similar clash happened in Guriel after Alhu Sunna reportedly attacked a police station. Somali forces later in the day successfully repulsed the attack and took control of the police station.

It is unclear if the two leaders were transferred to Mogadishu or are still under custody in Galmudug. 

Shakir served as Chief Minister in the last Galmudug state administration following an IGAD brokered deal in December 2018.