MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Al-Shabaab militants abducted Tablighi clerics traveling through the Lower Shabelle region, amid reports that the group has begun forcibly kidnapping youths and subjecting them to compulsory training.
More than ten Tablighi scholars who had departed from Mogadishu were captured by Al-Shabaab while passing through areas between Leego in the Lower Shabelle region last week.
Local sources told Kaab TV that the Tablighi group, who were on a religious journey, were taken by Al-Shabaab and transported to a training site used for individuals abducted by the group.
In recent times, Al-Shabaab has increased the abduction of youths and children, forcibly enrolling them in military training before later sending them to the frontlines.
Intelligence sources say Al-Shabaab has also recruited youths from Kenya and Ethiopia, who have joined its militants operating in southern and central Somalia.
Separately, according to a recent United Nations report, Al-Shabaab sent up to 30 youths to Yemen for training following contacts between Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi group.
Al-Shabaab is seeking cooperation with the Houthis, reportedly in pursuit of drone training to be used in suicide attacks.
Somalia’s security agencies have not yet commented on the incident. However, it highlights the growing threat posed by Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia, including the capital, Mogadishu.