Somalia: Al Shabaab seizes town near Baidoa from pro-govt forces
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- Posted On 30-10-2016, 12:27PM
BAIDOA, Somalia- Al Shabaab fighters have took control of a strategic district near Baidoa town, located 250 km south-west of the Somali capital Mogadishu on Sunday from pro-government troops, Garowe Onlines reports.
Residents told GO that heavily armed militants with armored pick-ups engaged in fierce battle with southwest state forces in Goofgaduud, which lies around 30 km north of Baidoa.
The battle saw Southwest troops to be overpowered and withdrawn towards Baidoa city, the interim seat of south west state. However, there was no immediate report of casualties on both sides as result of the fighting in Goofgaduud district.
Meanwhile, Southwest state officials in Baidoa town did not comment on the seizure of Goofgaduud.
Al Shabaab militants hoisted its flags on top of the building and started imploring residents using loudspeakers.
Over the past few weeks, Al-Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab group has been making substantial advances in some parts of the country, seizing several key towns vacated by Somali forces and allied AU peacekeeping forces.
GAROWEONLINE
