Somalia: Militants seize Wanlawayn after Govt forces withdraw

Image

WANLAWAYN, Somalia, July 4, 2015 (Garowe Online)- Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militants poured into Lower Shabelle region town of Wanlawayn in southern Somalia following skirmishes with government forces on Saturday, Garowe Onliner reports.

Though militants faced little resistance, residents have confirmed that Al Shabaab is now in control of Wanlawayn, some 90km west of Mogadishu.

Somali government forces are said to have vacated their positions, heading to a military airport remaining under the control of African Union peacekeepers and Afgooye town.

The fresh squeeze follows a series of alarming pullouts made by allied troops from strategic areas in Lower Shabelle.

Militants stepped up Ramadan rampage, reverting to unprecedented military-style ambushes and planned assassinations.

GAROWE ONLINE

Related Articles

Somalia Says Declining International Aid Has Slowed the Country’s Economic Growth

The minister has noted that the share of domestic revenue allocated to education jumped from 3% to 10% within three years.

  • Somalia

    15-11-2025

  • 06:54AM

COP30: Central Role of Journalism in Safeguarding Information Integrity for Climate Action Featured at UN Climate Talks

In his remarks, Osman warned that climate disinformation continues to distort public understanding, fuel denials and delay the urgent action.

  • Somalia

    14-11-2025

  • 07:20PM