Hiiraan Online
Saturday September 29, 2018
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Three villages, close to Bal'ad town in Middle Shabelle region have fallen under the control of the Al-Qaida linked militant group, Al-Shabaab after Hirshabelle forces withdrew from the areas.
Residents said the militants attacked the four villages of Yaqle, Mukey-Dhere, and Dhagah on Saturday midday hours after the forces of the regional state vacated the villages for unspecified reasons.
"Hirshabelle forces left their bases Yaqle and deserted the village and in a short span the Al-Shabaab fighters took over. Many people fled their homes," the witness who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The militants who hoisted their black banner on the vacated bases have reportedly forced the locals to gather at open areas where they preached the residents for hours.
Al-Shabaab still commands control of some parts of the Middle Shabelle region though they have been pushed from major towns by a joint Somali National Army backed by African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).