Published: January 16, 2011
Somaliland-U.S. Joint Operation Apprehend Al Shabaab Members
By Hassan Ali Gesey
Ten men, believed to be Al Shabaab fighters, were apprehended overnight in Burco town in the Togdher region of Somaliland in northern Somalia.
The Al Shabaab members were apprehended in a joint operation involving the authority of the breakaway state of Somaliland and the United States of America according to intelligence sources. The operation took place early on Saturday morning.
Local elders of Burco town told newsblaze that the operation involved American soldiers as well as anti-terrorist forces of Somaliland.
A police officer of Burco town that requested to remain unnamed has also verified to the Somaliweyn website that the apprehended men are members of Al Shabaab. They have been transferred to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, where they will stand trial.
So far the Somaliland authorities have not officially commented on the operation and the general situation in Burco town is reported to be relatively calm.
Burco is the main town of northern Somalia with a large base of Al Shabaab supporters especially supporters of Ahmed Godan Abu Zubeyr, one of the senior Al Shabab leaders.
Hassan Ali Gesey is an experienced correspondent in Mogadishu, Somalia
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