Al Shabaab fighters have retaken Ali-Gadud mosque area in southern Somalia after Government troops pulled out of the town on Thursday, residents said.
The Somali troops who vacated the town have retreated back to Adalle, where reports say they are planning a new counter-attack to regain control of Ali-Gadud mosque area.
Local residents said Al Shabaab fighters with fighting vehicles moved in the town on Thursday morning, seizing police station and the main administrative headquarters.
“We woke up to a city captured by Al Shabaab fighters and patrolling all streets, there was no any gunfight during the tave-over,” a resident said on condition of anonymity.
Al Shabaab militants hoisted their flag on the top buildings and lectured residents to inform them their comeback, according to the anonymous resident.
