Gal’ad residents say they are in shock and fear over a possible battle between the retreating allied forces and Al-Shabaab fighters who are now in charge of the city.
(Shabelle) — Heavily armed Al-Shabaab militants have retaken Gal’ad town in Galgadud region of central Somalia after AMISOM troops retreated in the earlier hours on Monday morning
Ethiopian forces of AMISOM contingent moved out at midday and the local administration and all other Somali security forces left a few minutes later, according to the residents.
Following AU, SNA retreat, hundreds of Gun-toting Al Shabaab fighters have peacefully gained full control of the town and hoisted their black flag over the Gal’ad police station and administrative offices.
Local residents say they are in shock and fear over possible battle between the retreating allied forces and Al Shabaab fighters who are now in charge of the city.
The loss of Gal’ad is a major setback for AMISOM and SNA troops who are waging a decade-long fight against the Somalia-based Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab fighters.