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1st LD Writethru: Senior Al-Shabaab official surrenders to Somali gov't

Xinhua, January 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

A senior figure of Somali militant group Al-Shabaab has surrendered to the Somali government, local officials confirmed on Thursday.

Bishar Adan Abdihakim, acting district commissioner of Luq town near the Somalia-Ethiopia border, told media the surrender of the senior figure, Hassan Dhubi.

"We can confirm to you that we also have his AK 47 rifle which he surrendered to us," said Abdihakim. He said the surrender of Dhubi indicates the failure of Al-Shabaab while urging those still in the forest to follow his suit.

Dhubi was a significant figure who spearheaded Al-Shabaab attacks in Luq, Garbaharey and Burdubo area, according to the official. His surrender comes just few weeks after former Al- Shabaab intelligence chief Zakariya Ismail Hersi was detained by Somali security forces in Elwak, near the Kenya-Somalia border.

The federal government of Somalia has late last year issued amnesty to Al-Shabaab members who defect, promising rehabilitation and security. Endi