Somali army seizes weapons destined for Mandera

The Somali Army has confiscated a cache of weapons destined for Mandera in Kenya claiming that they were to be used for attacks in border towns.

Jubaland government deputy minister for Security Abdirashid Hassan Abdinoor, said the weapons were seized while on transit to Bulahawa and Mandera towns on Tuesday evening.

Mr Abdinoor said the Somalia government values cooperation and believes in cross border support in dealing with Al-Shabaab as a common enemy.

The weapons nabbed include Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), hand grenades, ammunition, remote controlled petrol bombs, phones and cables among others.

“The two countries are facing a common enemy that calls for collective and concerted efforts in fighting it. This has made us concentrate on dealing with this so that Kenya can protect Somalia and vice versa,” said Mr Abdinoor.

Somalia has faced security challenges since 1992 and the rise of Al-Shabaab has complicated the situation.

In efforts to help Somalia get back on its feet and protect Kenyans against terror attacks originating from the war torn country, Kenya sent its military into Somalia in 2011 in an operations dubbed Operation Linda Nchi.

“Aminayat has remained the most difficult part of Al-Shabaab to deal with as members are not armed. They are keen on recruiting and easily mingle with the public without being noticed,” he said.

Mandera County Commissioner Fredrick Shisia who led the Kenya delegation thanked the Somalia National Army (SNA) for what he termed as ‘a brotherly care’.

“We are happy the Somalia authorities have taken the initiative of protecting Kenya by confiscating the weapons that were to cause a lot of destruction and loss of lives in these towns,” he said.

Mr Shisia lauded efforts by Somalia authorities in arresting key personalities dealing in assembling the weaponry within the two towns.

“We want to build on this opportunity that we have waited for long so that we minimise terrorism and give a chance to citizens in this region to interact peacefully and freely,” said Mr Shisia.

He said Kenya was ready to share and support Somalia in efforts to fight Al-Shabaab.

Mr Shisia said Kenya will continue helping in stabilising the border from Mandera border point One to Elrhamu at the Mandera/Wajir border for the safety of all Kenyans.