Somalia: AU forces vacate areas in Lower Shabelle amid Al Shabaab raids

KURTUNWAREY, Somalia, September 5, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somalia’s Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militants recaptured strategic Town in southern Somalia after African Union troops made surprise pullout, Garowe Online reports.

AMISOM peacekeepers vacated Lower Shabelle region town of Kurtunwarey and El Salindi village for unknown reasons.

Al Shabaab militants quickly poured into the lawless areas, speaking to crowds in public according to residents.

Speakers for militants said, they will continue fight against African Union troops during erratic speech.

Somalia government and African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) officials didn’t comment on pullout and seizure of vacated areas.

Earlier this week, militants used vehicle borne improvised explosive devices to gain entry into military base in Janaale where they claimed to have killed 50 peacekeepers. 

GAROWE ONLINE