Somalia: Allied forces recapture a key town from Al Shabaab

GOFGADUD, Somalia- Southwest State forces, backed by the Ethiopian troops serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have retaken control of Gofgadud village from Al Shabaab militants, Garowe Online reports.

State officials said, the allied troops have engaged in a deadly battle with the militant group Al Shabaab around Goofgaduud village located 30 km north of Baydabo town, before seizing the town.

A local resident, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, said at least 4 Southwest state soldiers, including a senior commander and ten militants were killed during the fighting, a town that witnessed recurrent fighting between the two sides.

"Al Shabaab briefly took control of Goofgaduud for hours but were driven out by the Ethiopian troops backed by the Somali soldiers,” resident told GO over the phone.

On Wednesday, Radio Andalus, a pro-Al Shabaab media outlet in Somalia, said the militants had recaptured the village in a heavy fighting that killed 8 pro-government soldiers, among them top commanders.

In the past few months, Al Qaida-affiliated Al Shabab group has taken control of key towns and villages in south and central Somalia after sudden withdrawal of the Ethiopian forces stationed in Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE