Somalia: Al Shabaab group recapture town in Southern Somalia

EEL ALI, Somalia- Ethiopian forces serving with the African Union peacekeeping troops (AMISOM) have retreated from Eel Ali district in Hiiran region, following overnight attacks by Al Shabaab fighters, Garowe Online reports.

Local residents told GO that Al Shabaab militants have fired mortar shells at the Ethiopian military base in Eel Ali, located 70 km west of Beledwayne town, but so far no clear information on the casualties of the attacks has been reported.

“The militants were seen taking control of the areas shortly after the withdrawal of the Ethiopian forces towards Beledwayne town, where AMISOM forces stationed there,’ according to an eyewitness.

So far AMISOM troops have abandoned 7 areas in Central and Southern Somalia, whereas Al Shabaab regained control of those areas in the past 3 months.

Ethiopia has started recalling its troops stationed in Somalia, to strengthen its forces to contain violence and unrest that hit the country in the recent period.

Al Qaida linked Al Shabab militants group is fighting UN-backed Somali government, security forces and AMISOM forces to topple the government and impose its strict form of governance.

GAROWEONLINE