Somalia: Allied forces pull out despite lingering fears

Image

QORYOOLEY, Somalia, July 2, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somali government forces alongside African Union peacekeepers have vacated new areas in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia despite threats of takeover by Al Shabaab militants, Garowe Online reports.

Security sources disclose that fears of imminent clashes gripped residents of Awdhegle and Qoryoley, with the latter’s residents fleeing homes.

In Awdhegle where Al Shabaab briefly overran last month, allied forces began withdrawing late on Wednesday night.

On the other hand, Lower Shabelle region town of Qoryoley witnessed similar pullout.

As of Thursday morning, people were fleeing homes over possible confrontations for the control of the strategic town.

A week ago, militants killed over a dozen African Union peacekeepers in deadliest raid in Lego.

Pro-Al Shabaab media reported that militants are heading towards the vacated areas. 

Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab militants honed rampages on the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, targeting key government installations and military bases. 

GAROWE ONLINE 

Related Articles

Al-Shabaab releases video of Ukrainian U.N. pilot held hostage in Somalia

In the video released by al-Shabaab’s Kataib media wing, the pilot, identified as Oleynik Aleksandr, says he was taken hostage.

  • Somalia

    15-12-2025

  • 06:23AM

Somalia: Opposition Coalition to hold Major Conference on National Elections

Parliamentarians from both houses, academics, and civil society representatives are also expected to attend, ensuring a broad range of perspectives are considered.

  • Somalia

    14-12-2025

  • 02:02PM