African Union Peace-keeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops have withdrawn from their Front Operating Base (FOB) in El-Foldhere villages in Middle Shabelle region on Sunday, local residents confirm
Al-shabab fighters took over the control of the base immediately after the withdrawal of AMISOM troops.
According to the locals, troops were seen leaving the village in convoys and even evacuating their stationary and heavy equipment.
It is not clear the main reason behind the withdrawal of the forces that were put in place by the international community to help Somali government in the fight against from Al-Shabab.
Both AMISOM officials and Somali government did not comment on the withdrawal of the soldiers from the village.
Al-Shabab had increased its attacks against the troops in El-Foldere village since early last month.
On Friday, Al-Shabab fighters ambushed AMISOM troops escorting a convoy of trucks loaded with supplies heading the same base.
The sides engaged fierce fighting that lasted for two hours.
It was not clear whether the convoy was carrying AU military supplies or humanitarian aid
Discussion about this post