Somalia: Allied Forces Recapture Merca

MERCA, Somalia-Somali government forces aided by African Union peacekeepers have recaptured strategic Merca town from Al Shabaab militants on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Heavy fighting has raged between squeezing troops and Al Shabaab fighters in Buufow vicinity on the outskirts of the coastal town popular with exotic beaches.

Security sources have yet to disclose the exact number of casualty figures from the clashes.

Merca has switched seizures since Friday when militants poured after little resistance by vigilantes.

Calm has returned to the key town in southern Somalia, with allied forces in battle tanks repositioned at bases outside Merca.

It has also been reported that Biya Mal clan, arch rival of Hawiye sub-clan of Habargedir threw military and economic support behind Al Shabaab group.

Biya Mal clan militias previously clashed in deadly battle in Merca and areas in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia. The surprise support has not been explained yet.

On Saturday, Somali government forces and African Union troops made a brief thrust into Merca before being repelled out.

SOURCE: GAROWEONLINE