A senior Alshabaab operative who had been with the militant group for 12 years has surrendered to the Somali national army in Bakool region, according to a statement from the military.
The defector, identified as Yusuf Sheikh Hassan, also known as Malaaq UK, was in charge of treating the wounded militants and had access to the inner workings of the group. He said he decided to leave Alshabaab after witnessing the atrocities and mistrust that pervaded the organization.
“Anyone who is suspected of being a spy or a traitor is killed without mercy. I saw many innocent people being slaughtered by these Khawarij. They have no regard for human life or Islamic values. They are only spreading fear and terror everywhere they go,” Hassan said.
He added that he took advantage of the amnesty offer that the Somali government has extended to Alshabaab members who want to renounce violence and join the peace process. He urged his former comrades to follow his example and abandon the group that he described as a “lost cause”.
The Somali army confirmed that Hassan had surrendered and said he was undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration programs. The army also praised his courage and called on other Alshabaab fighters to defect and embrace peace.
