African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has denied reports that Al Shabaab has retaken control of Marka, a strategic port town in southern Somalia on Monday.
Speaking to Local Media on the phone, Lt Col Joe Kibet – AMISOM Force Spokesperson, said AU troops are in-charge of the town and have not sighted any militants as alleged.
In a Twitter post, AMISOM said AU troops are currently based at a camp located only 800 meters away from Marka and the presence of the troops in the town will remain.
“This is false information, Al Shabaab did not take the city, AMISOM forces are just 800m away from the city center and doing their security patrol as always,” said Kibet.
AMISOM said: We reassure the people of Marka of our commitment to their security & our determination to render Al-Shabaab irrelevant.
On Monday, Al Shabaab fighters have peacefully recaptured the port town of Marka after Somali military forces vacated the city, as local residents have confirmed to IdaleNews.com
