Somalia: Allied forces pull out despite lingering fears
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