Al-Shabaab gives new beard order

MOGADISHU, Tuesday       

Orders for men to grow their beards and to trim moustaches have been given by militants loyal to Al-Shabaab.

The radical Islamist group is opposing the Transitional Federal Government in Mudug region in Central Somalia. 

The fanatical militants also instructed residents to strictly attend prayers at mosques. 

“Following calls by muezzin, all men are ordered to join the prayers at mosques,” said a militia leader at Bud-bud area in Mudug region.

He added that persons moving around or engaged in businesses would be punished.

Usually, failure to comply with Al-Shabaab orders attracts flogging of offenders in public.

Other offences such as theft, robbery and adultery may be punishable limb amputations or put to death by stoning. 

On Sunday, Mr Abshir Dini Awale, the minister of interior and security affairs of Galmudug, a semi autonomous state in Central Somalia, announced the infiltration in parts of its territory by militants loyal to Al-Shabaab.

He confirmed that heavily armed militants seized some settlements in the eastern side of Mugug region.