[Al Arabiya Latest] Somali Islamist group al-Shabaab is forcibly removing gold and silver teeth from residents in southern Somalia because it says they contravene strict religious law, locals from a coastal town said on Monday.
Residents in Marka say al-Shabaab has been rounding up anyone seen with a silver or gold tooth and taking them to a masked man who then rips them out using basic tools. "I never thought al-Shabaab would see my denture as a sin. They took me to their station and removed my silver tooth," resident Bashir told Reuters. "In the station, I met several men and women whose dentures were being pulled out by a masked man they called a doctor. The doctor used a pincer or his gloved hand depending on the strength of the tooth," Bashir said.
"As you smile your silver tooth accuses you. I was at a counter with my friend when three armed al-Shabaab ordered me to follow them," he added. "I am afraid they want to make money from taking all this precious metal." |