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

Israel appoints 1st ambassador to Somalia's breakaway region in controversial move

Lotem previously served as ambassador to Kenya, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, according to Israel's public broadcaster KAN.

  • Somalia

    15-04-2026

  • 07:36PM

Somalia: Opposition Council Warns of Political Crisis as Election Deadlines Loom

The federal government of Somalia has not yet issued a formal response to the council’s allegations.

  • Somalia

    15-04-2026

  • 09:47AM