MOGADISHU, Somalia – Backed by local clan militia, Somali soldiers seized a town controlled by al-Shabab militants who fled without battles with troops, residents said.
Hundreds of residents in Ruun-nirgood welcomed the troops as they moved into the town in the Middle Shabelle region. Sporadic gunfire could be heard following the capture.
“The Somali troops have arrived in the town now, and al-Shabab left last night,” a resident told radio Shabelle, based in Mogadishu by phone.
Al-Shabab did not comment on the army’s claim.
The fall of Ruun-nirgood was a big blow to the al-Qaida-linked group’s control of Somalia.
The militants have increased their attacks since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office in May and vowed an “all-out war” against al-Shabaab.
Last week week, the Somali government said its forces killed more than 4,500 al-Shabaab militants in a two-month period operation in Galmudug and HirShabelle states.
Somalia has been mired in conflict since 1991 when long-term dictator Siad Barre was overthrown by warlords who then turned on each other leading to lawlessness and chaos.
