Somalia: Al-Shabaab militiamen have taken control of a strategic town near Ethiopian border
Hundreds of al-Shabaab militiamen have taken control of a strategic town in Somalia’s south-western region of Bakool located near Ethiopian border without any resistance after government soldiers withdrew earlier today.
Residents of Qurac-Jome said ,the rebels after capturing the town launched house-to-house searches, looking for people suspected to be government collaborators .
Meanwhile, Tension are said to be high in the area as Somali government forces along with Ethiopian troops are said to be making preparations to retake the town from al-Shabaab.
Reports said Civilians are fleeing the area for fear of their lives due to the escalation of military activities in the area.
The captured town lies on a key a route which links other towns in the region, including Hudur town which is under the control of al-Shabaab fighters.