Somalia: Al Shabaab cuts off telecommunication lines in central Somalia

HARARDERE, Somalia- Al Shabaab militants have shut down the telecommunication services in parts of Mudug region in central Somalia following deadly battle with local pastoralists who resisted tax on their livestock, Garowe Online reports.

A resident, speaking on a condition of anonymity said Al Shabaab rebels stormed the main building of Telecommunication Company in Harardhere town and ordered the staff to cut off the phone services throughout the region.

The service blackout came after deadly clashes between Al Shabaab fighters and armed nomadic in Dumaye area near Harardhere, that left 10 people dead and dozens wounded.

Al Shabaab insurgents were reported to have killed several elders, and shot dead seven other civilians in Dumaye after resisting paying tax on their livestock.

At least ten Al Shabaab members have been killed in an ambush by armed residents, as the militants were moving between Dumaye and Harardhere towns, added the source.

Hundreds of residents began to flee after Al Shabaab burnt down two villages located in the outskirts of the rebel-held Harardhere town, where most of the clashes are taking place.

Galmudug state forces aided by African Union peacekeepers serving with AMISOM are planning to launch military campaign in Mudug region, in a bid to root out the Al Shabaab fighters from their stronghold areas.

Despite being pushed out from most of its key strongholds in south and central Somalia, Al Qaida linked Al Shabaab group continues to carry out sporadic guerrilla attacks against the Somali government, security forces and AMISOM across large parts of the horn of Africa nation.

GAROWEONLINE