Somalia’s government troops recapture town from Al Shabaab militants

EL WAK, Somalia- Somali government forces have recaptured El Wak town in Southern Somalia from Al Shabaab militants after briefly controlling it on Friday afternoon, Garowe Online reports.

Yesterday afternoon, Al Shabaab fighters have raided a military base belonging to the government forces in the town, killing over a dozen and pushing others out of the town.

Shortly after the attack the militants took “complete control” of the area as there were seen hoisting flags on the buildings and administrative headquarters in the town, according to an eyewitness.

“Bodies of the deceased soldiers can be seen laying around the town following the heavy gunfire exchange with Al Shabaab fighters yesterday,” resident told GO.

Al Shabaab group have claimed responsibility of the attack and said they have seized 3 battle wagons and arrested couple of soldiers.

But few hours later Somali government troops have managed to regroup and carry out an overnight attack that pressed the militants  out of the town on Saturday.

Among the soldiers who were killed in the attack earlier on Friday is Col. Adan Koronto a senior military officer. The Somali National Army spokesman in Gedo region have told media on Friday that Al Shabaab fighters overpowered the army and took control of the town. “Militants used weapons and battle wagons seized from El Ade’s military base, the vehicles had the mark of “AMISOM” that belongs to the AU peacekeeping troops and they came from a route frequently used by AMISOM convoys,” spokesman said.

The spokesman added that the government troops stationed in Gedo didn’t receive salaries since 2011, a factor might have contributed to the defeat of the government troops earlier.

On Saturday morning, Al Shabaab fighters were seen withdrawing from El Waq district towards El Ade areas, resident told GO.

In January 2016, Al Shabab fighters launched an attack against Kenyan Defense forces base located in El Ade, inflicting the heaviest losses that Kenya has suffered since their arrival to Somalia in 2011.

El Wak is a strategic town located near the Somali border with Kenya, also a main supply route for Kenyan troops operating in southwestern Somalia. Al Shabaab lost the town in 2011 when Kenyan troops crossed border into Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE