Surrendering to the enemy - these al Shabaab fighters in Somalia give themselves up.<br/> <br />More than 200 members of the al-Qaeda linked-militant group surrendered to African Union and Somalia government soldiers in this town about 80km north of Mogadishu - on Saturday.<br/> <br />An Africa Union regional commander said more were likely to surrender as negotiations continued.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMISOM MIDDLE SHABELLE REGION COMMANDER, COLONEL STEPHEN MUGERWA, SAYING:<br/> <br />"They are ready to work with us, they are ready to work with the Somalia National force, they are ready, because they want to build their country."<br/> <br />The move will likely bolster government and Africa Union preparations for an onslaught on the southern city of Kismayu - currently the last bastion of the militant group.<br/> <br />If routed, Al Shabaab are expected to retreat to the hinterlands, resorting once again to suicide bombings and targeted assasinations.<br/> <br />Somalia has witnessed a wave of attacks since its new assembly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to power earlier this month.<br/> <br />Militants have branded the political newcomer a 'traitor' heading a government serving only Western interests.
