Senior Al-Shabaab commander surrenders in central Somalia

Somali militants Al-Shabaab senior commander in charge of roadside bombs and mines has surrendered to government forces in central Somalia, officials said on Saturday.

Abdullah Ahmed Mohamed handed himself over to government authorities in Dhusamareeb region, following a government amnesty for militants to surrender.

A senior security official Mohamed Khalif in the region told journalists Mohamed had earlier contacted government officials in the local town, asking to surrender.

Dhusamareeb district commissioner Moallim Abdirahman Ali said the government welcomed Mohamed's surrender and called on all Al- Shabaab members to take advantage of the amnesty before it runs out.

"We are open to any Al-Shabaab member who wishes to resign. They should take advantage of this amnesty before it expires," said Ali.

Mohamed's surrender comes two months after former senior Al- Shabaab head of intelligence Zakariye Khalil crossed to the government side.

The Somali government announced an amnesty offer late last year to members of the Al-Qaida linked group Al-Shabaab, as it goes on with military offensive alongside Africa Union-backed force AMISOM. Endi