Somali soldiers arrested for desertion during Al-Shabaab offensive
The soldiers had attempted to sell government-issued rifles after fleeing the frontlines in the Middle Shabelle region, according to Brig. Gen. Mahad Abdirahman Aden, also known as Commander Shub.
Somalia's Custodial Corps has detained several of its soldiers who deserted their positions during the ongoing military offensive against Al-Shabaab, the militant group.
The soldiers had attempted to sell government-issued rifles after fleeing the frontlines in the Middle Shabelle region, according to Brig. Gen. Mahad Abdirahman Aden, also known as Commander Shub.
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The soldiers deserted their posts and returned to Mogadishu, where some of them tried to sell their rifles, while others left their weapons behind when they fled. General Mahad Abdirahman Aden reported on Thursday that the deserters were tracked down, and the weapons were recovered.
“Those who escaped the frontlines were not left to roam the streets of Mogadishu. We tracked them down, and the ones who tried to sell their rifles are in detention. Weapons left behind were recovered and sent back to the front,” he said.
The Custodial Corps, a force primarily tasked with prison management, was recently deployed to active conflict zones as part of the Somali government's efforts to push Al-Shabaab out of key strongholds.
Recently, units stationed in Mogadishu were reassigned to the Middle Shabelle region, an area where military operations against Al-Shabaab have intensified.
General Mahad expressed his appreciation for the majority of Custodial Corps personnel who remained on the frontlines, stating that the actions of the deserters should not overshadow the discipline and dedication shown by the rest of the force.
“I commend those serving on the frontlines for their determination in the face of Al-Shabaab,” he said.
The Somali government, with support from local militias and international partners, has intensified its offensive against Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia.
Although the group still controls some rural territories, recent military campaigns have led to significant territorial losses for the militants.
The Somali authorities have emphasised that ensuring soldiers remain focused on their duties is essential to the success of the ongoing operations.
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