BAIDOA (SD) -The Security and Intelligence Command of South West Somalia has presented 12 members said to be affiliated with Al-Shabaab militants, whom they have apprehended.

These individuals were arrested from the city of Baidoa and surrounding areas, shortly after security forces of the Regional Administration conducted extensive operations in the city and its outskirts over the past few days.

Additionally, the individuals handed over to the Southwest State Police Force are said to be involved in extorting money from the local population and supporting the insurgency.

The Security and Intelligence Command of South West Somalia’s significant operations cover the entirety of the Southwest region, aimed at ensuring overall security in the region.

This isn’t the first time the police force has captured militants associated with Al-Shabaab, as they have previously dismantled networks engaged in destabilizing activities in and around Baidoa, leading to multiple arrests.