Somali "Coast Guard" Captures Al-Shabaab Gunrunners

In what may be the first reported case of Somalis doing their part to prevent Somalia-based piracy operations, a speed boat carrying 7 men, AK-47s, RPGs, and ammo were seized by government and African Union officials.

Two of the Men Arrested from Speed Boat — Two of the men arrested from the speed boat, (c) Somalia Report

By MOHAMED ODOWA, ABDI

A Senior Somali government official told Somalia Report that Somalia’s coast guard, with the support of African Union peacekeeping forces, today seized a speedboat near Mogadishu’s old port carrying at least seven men and a variety of weapons.

“We are still busy searching the boat. So far we have found variety of weapons. Once we are done we will speak to the media. We strongly believe that the weapons belong to al-Shabaab,” said the official on the condition of anonymity.

Two Kenyans and one Tanzanian were arrested and are being questioned at the Afar-Irdood police station in Hamar Weyne district of Mogadishu, while two others were taken by African Union forces, according to Mogadishu’s central commander Garad Nur Abdulle. Two others reportedly escaped by jumping into the sea, however, this has not yet been confirmed.

Somali naval commander Farah Ahmed Omar (Qare) confirmed the arrest of three men, Ali Omar Ali, Abdalle Ksuwa Ali, and Ali Nakari Said and reported that Ali Nakari Said told police they had been lost at sea for the last seven days. They claimed the boat came from Mombassa, Kenya.

African Union spokesman Paddy Ankunda confirmed to Somalia Report that they are holding some suspects, but would not verify the number. Once the investigation has concluded, the AU will make an official comment.

The speedboat was carrying with AK-47 rifles, RPGs, machine guns, and ammunition, according to the official.

The article originally appeared on SomaliaReport.com and is republished with permission.