Al-Shabab takes control of Marka town for second time in less than 24 hours

Al-Shabab fighters recaptured the key port of Marka, just hours after Somali forces and AMISOM peacekeepers swept into the city.

Local residents who spoke to Goobjoog News said the group retake town without resistance from SNA and its allied AMISOM troops.

“Al-Shabab left the town this morning but came back with more fighters and AMISOM troops who retake the town few hours ago vacate the town heading towards north of the town” he said.

The move come three hours after Somali National Army supported by African Union troops recaptured Marka town which was taken over by Al-Shabab fighters on Friday after AMISOM withdrew from the town.

One of the SNA commanders, who spoke to Goobjoog four hours ago, has confirmed that their soldiers have retrieved back Marka town.

“We secured Marka town today. We have chased the Al-Shabab and the operation will continue until its goals of securing the entire country is achieved,” he said.

Meanwhile Somali ministry of Defense says that the town is still under the control of SNA and AMISOM troops.

Somali security experts say that the UN and AU countries are not serious about restoring of Somalia’s diminishing hope. AMISOM soldiers with bulletproof vests and helmets get enough waves and dependable allowances where as Somali soldiers who fighting Al-Shabab fighters ware complain salary overdue and lack of ammunition.