Senior Al-Shabaab leader captured in Central Somalia

Somali security forces have captured Idris Mohamed Sheikh, a senior leader of the militant group Al-Shabaab, following a security operation in the central region of Galgadud on Tuesday.

The federal government reported that Idris responsible for collecting bribes from civilians, was apprehended in the rural area of Marerguur.

Idris previously served as the group's leader in the Middle Shabelle region before government forces liberated the area several years ago.

He also operated in the Bay and Bakool regions and was a close associate of the Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Diriye.

"Government security agencies are determined to bring the Khawarij criminals to justice for harming the Somali people," the federal government stated through the state media.

The capture of Idris occurred just days after Al-Shabaab attacked a beach in Mogadishu, killing 40 people and injuring 140 others.

According to state media, the national intelligence and security agency, NISA, confirmed that Idris was in custody.

Al-Shabaab controls significant parts of southern and central Somalia. The group, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has waged an insurgency against the central government in Somalia for nearly 20 years.

However, Al-Shabaab has recently lost significant territories in central and southern regions due to military operations. In southern regions, the Somali National Army and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops are engaged in the second round of operations against the group.

In recent years, government forces, with support from international partners, have made significant strides in pushing back the insurgents from major towns and cities.

Idris's arrest reflects the ongoing commitment of the government to disrupt Al-Shabaab's operations and bring its leaders to justice.

In the wake of last week's attack at Lido Beach, the federal government has urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to enhance efforts against the militants.

The international community has expressed support for Somalia's fight against Al-Shabaab. Various nations and organisations have assisted in terms of training, intelligence, and military support.

The collaborative efforts aim to restore peace and stability in Somalia, which has been plagued by violence and insurgency for nearly two decades.