The Al-Qaeda associated armed group, Al-Shabaab, yesterday released seven humanitarian aid workers in Somalia, the Anadolu Agency reported.

The aid workers had been taken captive on 16 July near the city of Baidoa, 150 miles southwest of the capital, Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab released two females and five male aid workers in return for weapons paid as ransom, indicating a negotiated release.

Police officials confirmed to Anadolu that the armed group received weapons.

In an attempt to take over Somalia’s government, Al-Shabaab continually attacks official sites and African Union troops to implement a strict version of Islamic law across the country.