Somalia: Aid workers kidnapped in Hiraan region July 21

Event

Al-Shabaab is suspected of abducting Somali aid workers in the Hiraan region on Friday, July 21. Local officials reported that three female aid workers were kidnapped from the village of Farlibaax. During the attack, one guard was killed by the militants. No further details have been released and it is unclear whether a ransom has been demanded.

Context

Farlibaax is located approximately 40 km (25 mi) northwest of the regional capital of Beletweyne. The victims reportedly work for an aid organization that operates out of the capital city. 

This is the second reported kidnapping of aid workers by Al-Shabaab within the past week. On July 15, seven Somali aid workers were kidnapped by Al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of the village of Daynuunay, located on the outskirts of Baidoa, Bay region. The aid workers are reportedly employed by the Gargaar Relief and Development Organization (GREDO) and had been implementing a nutrition project in the areas surrounding Baidoa for several months. Al-Shabaab is reportedly demanding USD 200,000 for the release of the aid workers. 

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of the country. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and United Nations-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia. It is also responsible for a number of attacks and kidnappings targeting humanitarian organizations operating in the country.

Advice

Due to the high threat of terrorism, individuals present throughout the country are advised to avoid government and institutional buildings as well as political events due to Al-Shabaab's tendency to target political figures and security forces. Because of extremely poor security conditions, travel should only be considered with appropriate security precautions in place.