Al-Shabaab briefly seizes Bal'ad town in Somalia

BAL'AD, Somalia - The Al-Shabaab militants have taken briefly the control of Bal'ad town in the northwest of Somalia, in the latest showdown which comes amid escalating political tensions in the Horn of Africa nation, which is battling with instability.

Reports indicate that the militants stormed the town which is 37 kilometers north of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia on Thursday morning, further controlling the town, which is strategic for the military within the surrounding vicinity.

The militants launched a series of attacks in the town before taking full control, eyewitnesses said. However, the number of casualties is yet to be determined but the town is found in Hirshabelle, a state prone to such attacks.

But latest reports indicate the Somali National Army [SNA] have since repelled Al-Shabaab's temporary seizure of Bal'ad town in Somalia. The soldiers are said to have opened fire to resist the seizure before succeeding to chase the militants out of the town.

Further, military sources claim at least three Al-Shabaab terrorists were killed when the army resisted the take over of the town. Throughout the fight against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, the military has often used Bal'ad as a strategic town while launching operations.

The incident comes after a report compiled by Financial Times reported that the current political impasse in Somalia has triggered a resurgence of Al-Shabaab terrorists in the country. According to the report, the militants are taking advantage.

Currently, outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble have been tussling over the control of security and electoral exercise. Roble insists he's the leader of a transition and should be accorded respect.

GAROWE ONLINE