Somali forces backed by AMISOM on Tuesday recaptured a town in the Lower Shabelle region as the military intensified attacks against Al-Shabaab fighters.
Lower Shabelle governor, Ibrahim Adan said the forces launched a major offensive against Al-shabaab fighters, capturing Sablale town in Lower Shabelle region.
“Somali and AMISOM troops who advanced from Barawe town on Tuesday afternoon have managed to capture Sablale town. Al-shabaab vacated the area before our forces reached the town,” said Adan.
The governor noted that the forces would proceed to secure other areas surrounding the town.
The latest attack came amid increased military operations in the region conducted jointly by African Union forces and the Somali National Army.
Somali forces on Monday seized three villages in Lower Shabelle region from Al-shabaab fighters but withdrew the captured areas citing that the military reached target of dismantling Shabab cells in the area.
Civilians detained
Al-shabaab reportedly arrested over 20 civilians for collaborating with Somali forces in Lower Shabelle region.
The group retreated from Awdhiigle, Mubarak and Darisalam villages on Sunday before its fighters made a comeback.
Sources say the locals had welcomed Somali forces who seized the villages in an operation against Al-shabaab.
Al-shabaab fighters had executed dozens of people for allegedly spying for Somalia government and its allies.
The group still controls remote areas in South and central Somalia after losing control of the major towns to the allied forces.
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