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

Media Leaders Commit to Fact-Based Migration Reporting Across Eastern Africa

Journalists were encouraged to highlight these risks while avoiding sensational coverage that could stigmatise migrants or vulnerable communities.

  • Somalia

    22-06-2026

  • 07:49AM

Somali President Hassan Sheikh heads to Kenya for talks amid election crisis at home

The discussions are expected to focus on security, political stability, and efforts to secure a consensus-based electoral process.

  • Somalia

    21-06-2026

  • 10:25AM