Al-Shabaab fighters seize areas in Bala’d district, Middle Shabelle

Reports from Middle Shabelle region indicate that Al-Shabaab fighters have taken over areas near the Bala’d district of Middle Shabelle region of Somalia.

Eyewitnesses told Goobjoog News that Al-Shabab took control of Dhagahow, Yaaqle Kooreebe under the district Bala’d.

The Somali National Army was reported to have withdrawn from these areas after a heavy attack from Al-Shabaab fighters.

Al-Shabaab fighters have called the local residents into a square and addressed them about the security of the area.

Sources said the militants forcibly assembled locals in a public square and addressed them.

The group has suffered sustained pressure from joint operations by Somali army and Amisom forces.

The group was pushed out of Mogadishu in 2011 by Somali troops backed by AMISOM soldiers.

Goobjoog News