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               Former Al-Shabab Commander Denounces Terror Group

   by VOA News

   A former top commander of Somalia's al-Shabab terror group says he has
   quit the insurgency, renouncing the violence perpetuated by his former
   comrades.

   Zakariya Ismail Hersi served as intelligence chief of the
   al-Qaida-linked organization before surrendering to Somali authorities
   last December.

   "From now on I will convey my principles and beliefs through peaceful
   means and understanding," Hersi said during a news conference in
   Mogadishu Tuesday.

   Addressing ranking members of the militant group, Hersi said: "I urge
   my friends to solve disputes through negotiation and peaceful means."

   In June 2012, the U.S. offered a $3 million reward for Hersi's capture,
   describing him as an associate of former al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi
   Godane.

   Hersi has said that differences with al-Shabab's leadership prompted
   him to leave the group.

   Al-Shabab, which is affiliated with al-Qaida, is trying to overthrow
   the Somali government and turn the country into a conservative Islamic
   state.

   Somali and African Union troops have had success in beating back the
   militants over the past year.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/former-al-shabab-commander-denounces-
   terror-group/2615583.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/former-al-shabab-commander-denounces-terror-group/2615583.html