Somalia government on Wednesday confirmed that 35 children were under its custody after they were rescued in an operation in Middle Shabelle, Radio Dalsan reports.
“These children are now receiving full protection and rights. The FGS will provide all basic services to these children as the necessity in rehabilitating these children is indeed critical to their long term physiological and mental well being†a statement from the government said.
Somalia government says the Friday operation was specifically conducted to rescue the children after they receive credible information about the existence of an “indoctrination campâ€.
“The FGS will never accept children to be used as militias†the statement said accusing Alshabaab of forcefully recruiting children.
Alshabaab has however refuted claims that the children were in a training camp.
Its Spokesman Abdiaziz Abu Musab said through its affiliate websites that the US and SNA had abducted children from a local Middle Shabelle school.
A report released by Human Rights Watch last week claimed that hundreds of children had fled forced recruitment in Bay region.
