The Somali Ministry of Defense has announced that Ibrahim Kalaay, who it described as the former governor of Awdinle area in Bay region, and approximately 150 militants have surrendered to the Somali National Army operating in the South West Regional State.
A statement issued by the ministry said that the surrendered group handed over weapons and combat vehicles to the forces, after renouncing their armed activities.
“The former governor of Awdinle area in Bay region, Ibrahim Kalaay, along with approximately 150 militants, surrendered at different times today to the Somali Federal National Army operating in the South West Regional State of Somalia, after openly defecting from the militants led by Abdiaziz Laftagareen, who have been committing insecurity in those areas in recent days,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that efforts are underway to encourage other militants to lay down their arms and surrender to the government, saying this is part of a plan to strengthen security and reconciliation in the South West regions.
The Ministry of Defense also called on members still in armed groups to take advantage of the opportunity to return to society, insisting that the government will not accept illegal weapons that threaten the security of the country.