Security forces in Somalia’s South West State have rescued four children who were abducted by Alshabab and taken to a militant stronghold for forced recruitment, officials announced.
The children, all under 18, were kidnapped from different locations and transported to Buush-Madiino in the Bay region, where they were to undergo military training. Some were taken while heading to school, while others were seized from their communities.
After being held for days, the children managed to escape and walked for two days through remote areas before reaching government-controlled territory. They were later secured in Baidoa and presented to the media.
Authorities in South West State have called for the children to be pardoned and reunited with their families. Alshabab, which has been fighting the Somali government for over a decade, is known for forcibly recruiting child soldiers from areas under its control.