For over a decade, the ruthless terror group al-Shabaab has terrorized Somalia, ruling over large parts of the country with an iron fist. However, recent government operations have intensified against the group, and the tables have turned in favor of the government. As a result, national media outlets have been visiting some of the areas liberated by the government to document and shed light on the extent of destruction inflicted by al-Shabaab.
El Muluq, a suburb on the outskirts of Adan Yabaal district, is one such area that has been liberated from al-Shabaab’s grip. The residents of this area have experienced first-hand the brutality and oppression of the extremist group, which claimed to be fighting for Islam but, in reality, was doing the exact opposite.
One of the most shocking revelations made by the residents of El Muluq was how al-Shabaab
demanded money from them to build a mosque. The extremist group asked the residents to pay an amount equivalent to the money they planned to raise for the construction of the mosque. This demand was a clear indication of the group’s greed and disregard for the well-being of the community they claimed to be fighting for.
The residents of El Muluq were forced to abandon their plans to build a mosque, fearing prosecution from al-Shabaab. This act of oppression is not only against the teachings of Islam but also a clear indication of al-Shabaab’s true intentions. They claim to be advocating for Islam, but in reality, they are oppressing and exploiting the very people they claim to be fighting for.
One resident who spoke to the national media expressed how they could not practice Islam under al-Shabaab’s rule. The group’s oppression and control made it impossible for the residents to live freely and practice their faith. This situation is a clear indication of how extremist groups use religion as a tool to manipulate and control people for their selfish interests.
The liberation of El Muluq is a significant milestone in the fight against al-Shabaab’s tyranny. It gives hope to the people of Somalia that they can live in peace and practice their religion freely without fear of persecution. However, it is also a reminder of the ongoing struggle against extremism and the need for a collective effort to eradicate it.
In conclusion, the story of El Muluq is a sad reminder of the destructive impact of extremism on people’s lives. It is also a call to action to continue the fight against extremism and work towards creating a world where people can live in peace and practice their religion freely without fear of persecution.
Source: Somali National News Agency