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Al-Shabab Takes Over Somalia Port City, Merca

Islamist militant group al-Shabab has taken control of Somalia’s port city, Merca, residents say. With the reported development, the city, some 70km (45 miles) south-west … Continue reading Al-Shabab Takes Over Somalia Port City, Merca


al-shabab

Al-Shabab-in-SomaliaIslamist militant group al-Shabab has taken control of Somalia’s port city, Merca, residents say.

With the reported development, the city, some 70km (45 miles) south-west of Mogadishu, is now the biggest town under al-Shabab control.

African Union forces who had held the port city for three-and-a-half years withdrew earlier on Friday morning.

The loss is a major setback for the African Union force (Amisom) in its decade-long battle against al-Shabab, the BBC reports.

The governor of Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, Ibrahim Adam, told the AFP news agency that al-Shabab secured control without fighting.

“Amisom forces moved out at midday and the local administration and all other Somali security forces left a few minutes later – and then heavily armed al-Shabab militants entered the town,” local resident Ibrahim Mumin told AFP.

“They have been addressing residents at the district headquarters,” he added.

Another resident, Mohamed Sabriye, told AP news agency that al-Shabab fighters had hoisted their flag over the city’s police station and administrative headquarters.