AU and SNA move to capture back Rabdhure

AU troops and SNA soldiers have moved to capture back Rabdhure town a day after the troops pulled off, residents and officials said.

The troops settled their bases, with the aim of strengthening their presence in area.

SNA commander who asked to be named said on Sunday that the move would ensure that the town is secured from Al-Shabaab fighters.

“We cannot just abandon its responsibility,” said the commander. “We are still manning our areas of operation in the area, which is an expansive area and we can take defence positions in any part of that region.”

The media had earlier Saturday reported that the troops withdrew from Rabdhure town, information attributed to residents who were quoted as saying there was movement of troops.

However, the commander said movement of troops was expected anywhere within the region and should not be construed to mean withdrawal from the region.

“After all, there is a reason that took us to this region, which is to liberate and pacify those areas, and the mission is still on,” he said.

Al-Shabaab has recently increased their attacks against AU and Somali forces in several regions after group has seen a surge of attacks that resulted in the loss of several strategic towns.

The AMISOM forces have also increased airstrikes in southern Somalia in the recent past, killing more than 50 militants earlier month in Gedo region.

Al-Shabaab lost key strongholds in between 2012 and 2013 to the AU troops and Somali national army, but the group has since carried out deadly attacks in the Somali capital.