Al Shabaab militants took control without fighting after Somali National Army (SNA) and AU troops pulled out of Aadan Yabaal town, which they captured in May 2016.
Pro-al shabaab media reported that Somali and Ethiopian troops who are part of AMISOM withdrew the city before the militants moved in on Saturday moorning.
There was no immediate response from the AU force, known by its acronym AMISOM, but Somali government official has denied the seizure of the town Al shabaab .
Mohamud Sheikh Hassan, who is the commissioner of Aadan Yabal district said SNA and AMISOM troops are still in full control of the town.
However, Locals confirmed the takeover of Merka, saying heavily armed fighters had swept into the town with black Islamist flags before addressing residents.
