Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) says it has arrested nine people suspected of belonging to the militant group al-Shabab during security operations in the capital, Mogadishu, and surrounding areas.
According to information released by NISA, the suspects were allegedly involved in planning and organising security-related attacks intended to be carried out in Mogadishu and its outskirts. The agency said its officers had been monitoring the suspects’ movements and contacts for some time.
NISA said the suspects had been operating covertly in the districts of Garasbaaley and Kaxda, as well as in parts of the Ceelasha Biyaha area, where security forces conducted operations targeting individuals suspected of having links to al-Shabab.
The agency said four of the nine people arrested were part of a connected network. They are accused of planning terrorist attacks intended to harm Somali civilians and undermine security and stability in the capital.
NISA did not provide further details about the alleged attacks or say whether any weapons or other materials were seized during the operations.
The arrests come as Somali security forces continue efforts to disrupt al-Shabab networks operating in and around Mogadishu.
