Al-Shabaab shuts down Andalus radio amid imminent clash with allied forces

Al-Shabab has shut down Andalus radio branch in Bardhere town and set free 18 prisoners from its custody, Goobjoog News has learnt.

The development comes at a time the group is facing sustained offensive from joint Somali National Army and the African Union backed force AMISOM.

Meanwhile, over ten thousand people are reported to be fleeing from Bardhere town since Somali National Army (SNA) backed by AMISOM troops headed for the town.

Eyewitnesses told Goobjoog News on Monday that residents are evacuating from the town using donkey carts and other available means of transport.

“We fear fighting could erupt at anytime because Al-Shabaab moved to the frontlines to defend the town from joint forces led by Somali military forces,” said a resident.

Rukia Ali a mother of 10 who fled her home in fear of the imminent fighting told Goobjoog News the situation is very tense and she had to flee with her children to safe places.

“I and my children are heading for Garbahaaray town, you know I have been displaced following reports of impending clash between government forces and Al-Shabaab. Life is becoming hard there (Bardhere) as the foodstuff and other essentials have run out amid ongoing blockade by joint troops” she said.

The Al-Shabab, meaning “youth” in Arabic, emerged out of a bitter insurgency against Ethiopia, whose troops entered Somalia in a 2006 in a US-backed invasion to topple the Islamic Courts Union that was then controlling the capital Mogadishu.

Al-Shabab fighters continue to stage frequent attacks, seeking to counter claims that they are close to defeat after losing territory in the face of repeated African Union and Somali government offensives, regular US drone strikes against their leaders and defections.

In a message marking Muslim Eid celebrations on Friday, Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Diriye — also known as Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah — outlined plans for the group to increase its operations outside of Somalia and particularly in Kenya.

Goobjoog News