Somali police seize hundreds of veils amid security fears

In Kismayo, Somalia, security forces have confiscated hundreds of niqabs, or Islamic face veils, from women to prevent jihadists from concealing their identities and launching attacks, according to police chief Warsame Ahmed Gelle.

This operation began last Wednesday amid concerns heightened by al-Shabab’s control over much of southern Somalia.

Women caught wearing niqabs face fines or jail time. Despite the ban initially being introduced in 2013, it was rarely enforced until now.

This comes after a recent deadly al-Shabab attack in Mogadishu, heightening security measures in the region.

The niqab ban is enforceable only in areas not controlled by al-Shabab.