A top figure in Al Shabaab’s Amniyat unit defected to Government forces over the weekend in the town of Awdheegle in Shabellaha Hoose province. Reliable sources have informed the Halgan Media service desk the incident occurred this past friday.
Omar Heegan has been identified as the Militant commander that surrendered. Omar, whose a known veteran in Al Shabaab’s Amniyat (Intelligence) unit spent 12 years in the armed group prior to his defection.
The individual at hand (Omar Heegan) is closely affiliated with Zakaria Ismail, a senior figure in Somalia’s National Intelligence Agency and a former Al Shabaab Amniyat (Intelligence) operative himself.
Both Omar and Zakariya orchestrated clandestine operations together, prior to Zakariya defecting to the Government of former Somali President Hassan Sheekh Mohamud. Zakariya Ismail is also the reported mastermind of the 2013 West Gate Mall Attack, which left nearly 70 people dead.
Following the defection, sources reveal Omar Heegan was flown in an unmarked helicopter to the capital Mogadishu and is currently at the headquarters of Somalia’s National Intelligence Agency. Close contacts have confirmed to Halgan Media that Zakariya Ismail and Omar Heegan are in contact with one another behind close doors.
Somalia’s National Intelligence Agency is yet to comment on these latest developments, let alone admit the militant commander Omar Heegan is in there custody.
We will keep you updated with the latest developments from the region.
Halgan Media.
