Somali military Forces vacate Gof-gadud village amid fear of Alshabab return

Somali Military and South west state forces made a surprise withdrawal from Gof-Gadud village-30km to west  of south west state Capital Baidoa on Wednesday. Military sources have confirmed.

Military units with heavy artillery and pick ups  cars started leaving the village at about 9:00am local time.  Abdullahi Shiekh Ahmed, a Somali military officer, who was travelling with  withdrawing units said the reason of withdrawal relates to  lack of supply and salaries.

“We lacked basic  supplies including food and salaries and that is what forced us to leave” said Abdullahi Sheikh.

Three days ago, Somali Military took the control of  the village from Alshabab  after fierce fighting, which killed ten people and injured 15 others.

Meanwhile , Alshabab is expected to take the village and some residents have already fled the village. Says one of residents, who want to remain anonymous.