African Union Peacekeeping (AMISOM) troops and Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers have pulled out of Aw-Dhegle town of Lower Shabelle region, residents said.
Witnesses said that the ally forces emptied their former bases and no reason was given for the hasty withdrawal.
“All AMISOM troops and SNA soldiers in the village left without prior notice. they told the news only hours before their vacation,” said a resident who sought anonymity said.
Troops could be seen leaving the town in convoys and even evacuating their stationary heavy equipment as confirmed by the locals.
Another residents resident who declined his named said that the ally forces are careless about the wellbeing of the residents of the areas they recaptured from Al-Shabab fighters and their aim is to play hide and seek game with the fighters.
“Somali National Army and AMISOM troops have vacated the town and now we are left at the mercy Al-Shabab fighters who have tented in the outskirt of the town” he said.
He said that Al-Shabab fighters can invade the town anytime as there are no capable soldiers to resist them.
“The tension is high as people started fleeing from the town in fear of torture from the fighters who several times accused residents of recovered areas being supporters of the forces”.” he said.
Though Al-Shabab was pushed out of key towns in South and Central Somalia, the group has been able to hit high-profile targets in Mogadishu’s heavily fortified areas, including government offices, popular gathering places, and UN centres.
Hours ago twin explosions occurred at UN headquarters Whereover 12 people were killed and more 10 sustained wounds.
