Safety forces in Somalia’s southern metropolis of Kismayo have seized tons of of Islamic face veils from feminine residents, town’s police chief says.
Warsame Ahmed Gelle instructed state TV that authorities have been conducting operations to “battle” the veils, also called niqabs.
The crackdown was sparked by considerations that jihadists may conceal their id and perform assaults, Mr Warsame stated.
Giant elements of southern and central Somalia are managed by al-Shabab, which is affiliated to al-Qaeda and has waged a brutal insurgency for practically 20 years in opposition to the UN-backed authorities in Somalia.
On Friday dozens had been killed in an assault at a preferred beachfront location in Mogadishu, the capital.
Officers in Kismayo have been confiscating the veils by stopping girls within the streets and forcing them to take away the garment.
The operation started final Wednesday, Mr Wasame stated.
Ladies caught carrying the niqab, which covers the entire face count on for the eyes, additionally face jail or a positive.
As a result of al-Shabab controls a lot of southern Somalia, Kismayo and its surrounding areas are the one locations within the state of Jubaland the place authorities can implement the ban.
The state initially launched the niqab ban in 2013, citing safety dangers, but it surely was hardly ever enforced.
Niqabs are seen as an indication of modesty in Islam – a faith which, in accordance with authorities statistics, is practised by 99% of Somalia’s inhabitants.
Many ladies there put on the niqab and Mr Wasame stated the garment had elevated in recognition just lately.
Nonetheless most Somali girls nonetheless go for the hijab, which covers a lady’s hair however not her face.
The police stated at least 37 people were killed during Friday’s beachfront attack and a number of other extra had been wounded.
Al-Shabab, who claimed duty for the assault, stated the demise toll and accidents are a lot greater than figures launched by the police.
The Somali army just lately killed dozens of jihadist fighters in Jubaland so reprisal assaults are a risk.
Further reporting by Abdishukri Haybe
