Al-Shabab leader Ali Mohamed Olow, who was armed with an AK-47 and a pouch, surrendered to the Somali National Army (SNA) in the Mubaarak area of Lower Shabelle region. He had escaped from a raid launched by Somali troops against a base where Al-Shabab fighters were located in Ugunji. Olow, who had been fighting in Hiiraan, Lower and Middle Shabelle regions as a member of Al-Shabab, stated that he was brought to Ugunji for reinforcement. He explained that the frequent raids by the Somali army on Al-Shabab hideouts had created a dangerous and difficult situation, ultimately leading to his surrender. Olow also revealed that the operations and airstrikes targeting Al-Shabab fighters in South and Central Somalia had made their lives and movements more complicated. The Somali National Army has recently increased its operations against Al-Shabab, resulting in several members surrendering.
