A top Al-Shabaab Commander who surrendered to Somali National Army and AMISOM forces on Tuesday at Gedo region has been taken to Mogadishu for questioning, award-winning journalist Haruf Maruf has confirmed.
Officials say Aden Abdi Mohamed known as “Aden Obe” surrendered Tuesday near the main Bardhere town. Aden Obe surrendered with another al-Shabab official identified as Food Aden Mohamoud who is described as a taxation official.
Obe held various positions with al-Shabab, including Consultative Council member, and head of Social Affairs. Most recently, he worked for al-Shabab as head of logistics in Lower Jubba region, according to Somali officials.
Deputy Governor of Gedo region Mohamed Hussein Al-Qaadi said the two men have been in contact with federal government officials who convinced them to defect. He said their defection is a “setback” to al-Shabab.
On Thursday, officials from Somalia Intelligence team whisked him to capital Mogadishu where he's expected to be questioned. The decision was made amidst on going crackdown in Gedo region in search for two Cuban doctors who were abducted early this month.
"Ex-head of Al-Shabaab’s Social Affairs Aden Obe has arrived in Mogadishu under the custody of Somali intel agency after surrendering to the Somali Govt on Tuesday near the town of Bardhere in Gedo region. Obe and another official rode a Suzuki from Buale town to meet officials," Maruf said.
Kenya Defense Forces team deployed Rangers Strike Regiment, comprising of Special Forces and Rangers Strike Force to Gedo in search of the officers. Mr Obe's surrender is said to be a big boost since he may give leads on the whereabouts of the doctors.
The Kenyan government has insisted that it would ensure the two doctors who were captured in Mandera are brought home safely. Al-Shabaab militants have sieged Gedo region, making it difficult for the forces to secure freedom of the officers.