Somali security forces on Saturday night thwarted a planned terrorist attack in the Hawo-Tako neighborhood of Beledweyne, killing one suspected Al-Shabaab operative and capturing another alive, according to security officials.
The operation targeted two suspected members of the militant group, locally referred to by the government as Khawaarij, who were allegedly preparing to carry out an attack in the city.
Officers who led the operation told state media that “one suspect was shot dead during the confrontation, while the second was arrested and taken into custody” .
Security officials also praised residents of Beledweyne for their cooperation, saying members of the local community played an important role in helping security forces prevent the planned attack.
Authorities said the incident reflects growing cooperation between civilians and security forces, which they described as a key factor in ongoing efforts to combat Al-Shabaab activities in the region.
The operation comes as Somali security forces continue intensified counterterrorism operations across central Somalia aimed at disrupting militant networks.
Mustaqbal
