Police nab 2 suspects, seize bomb materials in Somalia

Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-31 22:31:14|Editor: ying
Video PlayerClose

by Hashi/Abdi

MOGADISHU, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Security forces in Somalia's northern region of Puntland Wednesday arrested two Al-Shabaab suspects with a truck loaded with explosives and army telecommunication equipment at a checkpoint.

Police Commissioner of Bari region, Abdihakim Yusuf Muse, told reporters that the vehicle which came from Beletweyne town in central Somalia was carrying explosive materials hidden inside the vegetables

"We captured a big truck loaded with explosives, car plates, telecommunication equipment with two suspects on board after passing all towns in Puntland State including Galkayo, Garowe and Qardho towns. It took the vegetables and explosives from Beledweyne town in central Somalia," Yusuf said.

He added that the security forces are working to ensure safety in the town by carrying out operations against Al-Shabaab and pro-IS militants in the region.

The materials were in a truck flagged off by security forces after it managed to avoid security checks from Beletweyne in central Somalia.

There was no immediate information from the authorities regarding the materials but pictures displayed by the police show vehicle number plates, military wear among an assortment of materials suspected for use in making bombs.

The seizure came a week after a bomb explosion killed five people including security forces in Bosaso town in Puntland.

A faction of Al-Shabaab has been fighting Puntland forces since last year when the group declared its affiliation to the IS.

The surge in terror attacks across the Horn of Africa nation came as Somalis are observing the holy month of Ramadan.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001363292041