Mogadishu: At least 100 local elders were apprehended by Al-Shabab militants belonged to al-Qaida in three locations in central Somalia, media reported on Wednesday.
According to reports Somali lawmaker Dahir Sheik Amiin Jesow confirmed the reports and said that the fighters of Al shabaab insurgent group on Wednesday abducted nearly 100 elders.
The lawmaker said that the arrests took place today at three areas called Buqda-Aqable, El-Ali, Mukeyle located in Hiran, Lower Middle Shabelle regions of south and central Somalia.
The Arrested elders were said to have been accused of planning to travel to Mogadishu as to join the continuing Somalia Traditional elders convenes in the capital which is intended to select a national constituent assembly that will adopt the draft constitution and the upcoming Somali parliament.
Al shabab has already declared its stiff stance against Mogadishu meeting, saying he who attends it will be out of Islam, according to Sheik Ali Dhere, the spokesman of the group.
Locals expressed concern the group’s move against the elders and some residents demanded for immediate safe release. But fighters loyal to the group have captured and jailed.
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