Al-Shabaab briefly seize town from Somali military

Fighters from Al-Shabaab briefly took over town in Somalia’s border with Kenya, military official said.

The attack by the Al-Shabab on Elwak town that lies 671 km South of Mogadishu targeted police checkpoints.

Col. Warfaa Sheikh Adan, SNA officer in the town told reporters that the fighters have launched the attack under cover of darkness, forcing soldiers to withdraw into nearby army stations.

“The soldiers were attacked by al-Shabaab but fortunately government forces have overpowered fighters,” said Adan.

Residents reported hearing gunfire and explosions during the attack as militants stormed and took control of several significant government checkpoints in the town.

Fighting subsided as night fell and civilians stayed indoors. Al-Shabab “battle wagons” — pickup trucks with large guns mounted on the back — were reportedly patrolling the town for hours before withdrawing..

“No one could step outside; we did not know how long they stayed in the town but this morning we saw the government forces manning the town,” said a resident who asked anonymity.

According to a report by pro-Al-Shabaab media outlets, Al-Shabaab fighters have took control of the town for hours and withdrew after they seized weapons from Somali forces.

Al Shabaab said it killed several SNA soldiers in the battle, and military equipment, including weapons and ammunition  during the takeover, a claim that Somali officials denied.

The town of El Wak is located in Somalia’s Gedo region and borders Kenyan town also called ElWak in Mandera County.