The militant group al-Shabaab has issued a stern warning against anyone spreading 'rumors' that the Islamist fighters were defeated in the recent assault over Mogadishu.
Sheikh Fu’ad Mohamed Kalaf (alias Shongole), one of the key leaders of the insurgent group, said late on Saturday those found talking about al-Shabaab's defeat would be shot dead.
Speaking at a mosque in Mogadishu's Eelasha-Biyaha district shortly after Duhur Salat (Mid-day Islam prayers), Sheikh Kalaf cautioned the Somali people against discussing the recent fighting in Mogadishu.
He said, “Everyone says al-Shabaab ran away from Mogadishu. I’m advising you to shut up your mouths. You refused to kill the infidels with us. Whoever is saying al-Shabaab were defeated will be silenced (will be shot on the head).”
Sheikh Kalaf said coordinated attacks similar to those launched upon Ethiopian troops in Somalia between 2007 and 2009 by al-Shabaab assassins, would resume soon, in order to eliminate the supporters of the Transitional Federal Government and African Union peacekeepers (AMISOM).
“Everyone should fear for their life. Don’t die supporting the infidels," he said, adding that the Ugandan and Burundian troops would be forced to leave the country.
He urged civilians to be vigilant over what he termed as the ongoing 'hit and run' attacks against the TFG and AMISOM forces in Mogadishu.
“We learned that some residents of Fagah area hid 12 TFG soldiers, who were stranded in the village during the fighting. They were dressed in women clothes,” said the al-Shabaab leader, adding that, “we used to protect the civilians, but from now on we shall not spare them, whoever is supporting the infidels have the right to die.”
Sheikh Kalaf has also issued Fatwa ordering the killing of anyone opposed to the al-Shabaab, including those loyal to TFG.
The latest threat from the al-Shabaab leader is seen as a desperate move to prevent civilians from supporting the AMISOM and government troops in their attempt to reclaim the bullet-ridden Somali capital from the Islamist fighters.
Top TFG officials have urged the residents to cooperate with the security forces and inform the police of any security threat from the al-Shabaab fighters.
