Baidoa (Sunatimes) Reports from Bay and Bakol regions indicate that a strong rift has emerged between two senior leaders of Al-Shabaab rebels in the regions.

Reliable sources say that the rift has emerged when regions’ rebel leader Mahad Omar Abdikarim asked top militant leaders to dismiss his deputy Ma’alim Abdullahi Gab.

The rift between the two militia leaders raised suspension among Al-Shabaab militias, which is said to have split into two groups, with each group supporting his family man.

Earlier in August, the rebel leaders have also locked horns when Abdikarim announced that he dismissed Mr. Gab who refuted his dismissal, saying that Abdikarim had no authority to fire him.

He later fled to his home town, Hudur in Bakol region.

Their rivalry is said to have roots with clan based politics in the two rebel-held regions.

Al-Shabaab rebel fighters in Bur-hakaba town set free 18 people who were in custody for the almost a week, reports say.

Reports say the 18 were part of 30 businessmen arrested earlier last week for allegedly failing to pay a certain amount of money they were order to pat to the militia group. They were released after paying $55 each.

Locals who sought anonymity for security reasons say 12 others still remain in rebel custody for failing to pay the money.

Al-Shabaab earlier last week rounded up businessmen who reportedly failed to meet its demands to pay a total of 18,000 US dollars.

The rebel group compelled local traders in the area to pay $18,000 within 15 days towards its fight against TFG and Ethiopian troops.

Area rebel leader Mohamed Hassan who addressed the public at an open field has reportedly threatened to punish anybody who fails to meet their demand.

Earlier in mid July, Al-Shabaab leaders in Bardera district of Gedo region compelled small scale traders in the area to pay Shs 200, 000 every month.

The cash strapped militia group is known for such actions whenever faced by either military pressure or financial crisis.