A week after the Dusit attack a former Al-Shabaab fighter has revealed how he met one of the attackers seven years ago in Somalia.
In an interview with CNN said the de-radicalised youth who the media house did not reveal his identity for security reasons said that he met Ali Salim Gichunge alias Farouk, who was a member of the feared Amniat, Al-Shabaab’s internal security service, in Baidoa in 2012.
“I was shocked. When I saw the CCTV I said ‘I know that guy!’” the de-radiclalised youth told CNN
He further added saying that while in Somali he was subjected to an interrogation over lunch by Gichunge.
“They’ll eat with you but they are just interrogating you: ‘How do you love Al-Shabaab? How did you come here? Why did you join Al-Shabaab?’
“That sort of question, but we knew he’s interrogating us,” he said.
The reformed AlShabaab also revealed how they received numerous training in Somalia, he took part in the decapitation of a prisoner of war.
“That’s part of the brainwashing, They told us it’s part of the training.”
In addition he said, he was then ordered to kick the human head around like a football.
“It’s to reduce fear in you,” he added.
According to authorities, hundreds of the youth who had joined the militia had returned following a government amnesty issued in 2015, with some successfully reintegrating into the society.
Others are living in fear of both the government and the militants.
Intelligence sources indicate that at least 140 Al-Shabaab returnees had slipped back at the coast by April 2017.
“These include those who went three years ago. The figures cover the coast region alone,” said the source.