AMISOM denies withdrawal of its troops from Adan Yabaale town

African Union Peace-keeping Mission in Somalia, AMISOM denied on Saturday reports of its troops’ withdrawal from Adan Yabaal town in central part of the country, AMISOM spokesman has said.

AMISOM spokesman, Lt Col Joe Kibet said in an interview with Goobjoog News the peacekeepers recaptured the town on Friday and they still maintain the control of the town.

“The town is under the control of our troops and forces are still outside the town because we don’t want civilians to fall at arms way,” said Kibet.

Local residents confirmed to the media that both Somali and African Union forces withdrew from the town of Adan yabaale of the Hiraan region. Al-Shabaab militants’ presence had been rising in areas surrounded by the town.

‘”Our plans to are carry out operations against Al- Shabaab and further enhance security for Somali people to continue to go about their lives in peace, safety and security,” he said in the interview..

Though al-Shabaab was pushed out of key towns in South and Central Somalia, the group has been able to hit high-profile targets in Mogadishu’s heavily fortified areas such as hotels and government institutions.