Somalia: Al Shabaab kidnap civilians in Hiiraan

January 27, 2023 (QJ) – Reports coming from the areas of Camaloow, Helabacaad, and Sugoow, which are located in the outskirts of Baledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan region, indicate that Al-shabaab fighters have kidnapped local residents in those areas.

The number of people who were kidnapped by the group is not confirmed yet, but preliminary reports suggest that it is around 10 people, including farmers and herders, taken from their homes.

The local residents who were taken from have been specifically targeted by Al-shabaab in recent months, as the group wants their clan to stop participating in the ongoing anti-Al-shabaab operations in Hiiraan region.

Ever since the operation against Al-shabaab began in Hiiraan region, with the Xawaadle clan playing a leading role, the group has increased its attacks on the members of the clan.