Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 2013-07-16

The Samoosa, a traditional snack usually filled with spicy meat or vegetables, that is enjoyed in many homes and a popular ifthaar savoury has been banned by Somalia's al-Shabaab group for being 'offensive' and too Christian.

Militant fighters last week used vehicles mounted with loudspeakers to announce the bizarre ruling across the regions of the war-torn country it controls.

The group has offered no official explanation for the ban on the triangular snacks, which are commonly cooked up and served for centuries in the East African country or the Horn of Africa.

However it is thought the militants have taken offence at the three-sided samoosa's supposed resemblance to symbol of the Christian Holy Trinity.

Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper reported that residents of the Somali town of Afgoye, south of the capital Mogadishu, had confirmed the samoosa ban had been imposed. Locals believed al-Shabaab leaders had decided the triangular shape was not compatible with their strict version of Islam.

The unexpected move means Somalis could now expect to be punished if caught cooking, buying or eating samoosas, known locally as sambusas. – Mail on Line.