(May 14 2012 – Garowe Online) – An alleged foreign fighter for the Al Shabaab was captured near Hosingow located in Lower Jubba region, Radio Garowe reports.

Ali Bakaari, was captured near the Kenyan border, after Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops stopped a vehicle Mr. Bakaari was in.

TFG officials say the vehicle was stopped at night, after Mr. Bakaari attempted to flee troops who were conducting a search of the bus. The bus was carrying civilians headed from Kismayo to Kenya when it was stopped at Hosingow located 160 kms west of Kismayo.

Mr. Bakaari is an alleged foreign fighter with high ranking ties with Al Shabaab officials in Kismayo. According to authorities he is a white male with a Tanzanian citizenship.

TFG authorities also allege Mr. Bakaari fought in Mogadishu previously for the Al Shabaab, and moved to Kismayo shortly before Al Shabaab pulled out of the capital.

The TFG have yet to confirm if in fact Mr. Bakaari is a Tanzanian national. The Tanzanian government still haven’t released a statement on the arrest.

Foreign fighters have had until recently, very little difficulty operating and traveling in and out of Somalia. In January of this year a US drone strike killed British foreign fighter Bilal el Berjawi and other Al Shabaab agents.

Source: Garowe Online

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