Mogadishu (WDN)— Security forces in Buulo-Burde have arrested a suspected Al-Shabaab informant who had been posing as a supporter of the pro-government Macawisley militia, raising fresh concerns about infiltration within local community defense efforts.

According to local sources, the man had been living among residents of the town while maintaining a false identity as a loyal supporter of the Macawisley militia aligned with the Hawadle clan. However, authorities allege that he was secretly funneling information to Al-Shabaab operatives.

The suspect’s cover was reportedly blown when he mistakenly posted pro-Al-Shabaab content from a Facebook account he usually used to show support for Macawisley fighters. The post, originally intended for his separate, anonymous Al-Shabaab-supporting account, drew immediate suspicion from vigilant community members.

“It was a slip-up that exposed his double life,” said one local resident familiar with the incident. “When he posted the wrong content under the wrong name, everyone began to question his true allegiance.”

Residents alerted local security forces, who moved quickly to detain the suspect. He is currently in the custody of Buulo-Burde’s security services, where he is being interrogated.

Investigators believe the man operated two Facebook accounts—one used to infiltrate and monitor the Macawisley militia’s movements, and another for sharing intelligence and propaganda aligned with Al-Shabaab’s agenda.

Authorities say further investigations are underway to determine the extent of his activities and whether he was working in coordination with a wider network of collaborators.

This incident highlights the persistent challenges Somalia faces in combating extremist infiltration, especially within communities that have taken up arms to resist Al-Shabaab’s grip. It also underscores the delicate balance between community mobilization and security vetting in regions like Hiiraan, where Al-Shabaab remains a potent threat.

WardheerNews