The geezer brigades.

Mogadishu (Sunatimes) — Al-Shabaab militant group in Baidoa town, Bay region has on Monday night ordered elders in the district to participate the war against government troops in the region.

Speaking at Arab Mosque in Baidoa, Bay and Bakol regional rebel leader Mahad Omar Abdikarin said it is obligatory for area elders to support his rebel group in order to fight the Somali government troops in parts of these regions.

He said they will soon commence trainings for new recruits including elderly men and young boys in order to give the necessary military trainings needed for them to join the group’s battle with government.

Some elders have reportedly fled the district in fear of forceful conscription.

Earlier this month, Al-Shabaab rebel group in the port city of Kismayo has reportedly recruited students and teachers from all schools in the city.

The rebel group compelled all schools in the city to bring students and teachers to serve its ranks and take part in the fight against the Somali government troops in the region.