Kenyan forces pull out, Al-Shabaab take charge in Gedo

Al-Shabab fighters have today seized Busaar town in Gedo region after Kenyan troops who were part of AMISOM mission in Somalia pulled out of the town.

Residents told Goobjoog News that Al-Shabaab militants immediately took over and are currently in control of the town after the Kenya troops vacated the area and went to the border town of El-Wak which situates between Kenya and Somalia.

Kenyan military officials have not yet commented on the cause of the move.

Kenyan troops took control of the area in 2012, one year after they entered Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia.

On the 2nd of this month, Kenyan forces also left Fafah-dhun district in Gedo region.

AMISOM has yet to comment on the withdrawal from Fahfahdhun district of Gedo region as it was the latest pullback from the forward operating bases.

The pullout comes just after Al-Shabaab militants last night attacked Bal’ad town of Middle Shabelle and also seized Dhanaane area of the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia.

Kenya contributes more than 4,000 troops to the 22,000-strong AU force that is in Somalia helping the UN-backed government battle Al-Shabab, which is part of Al-Qaeda.

Goobjoog News