MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Fighters of the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab have briefly taken over control of a key town near Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu on Thursday, days after an attempted suspension of the Prime Minister escalated power struggle between the country’s most powerful leaders.
Militants attacked military bases in Bal’ad, 30km north of the capital Mogadishu, triggering fierce gunfight with government troops and Hirshabelle regional forces before managing to capture the strategic town.
Residents told local media that Islamist fighters were seen patrolling the streets of Bal’ad after troops vacated their bases. The town has changed hands between militants and the government multiple times within this year.
At least two people, among them a soldier, were killed and five others wounded, according to Mogadishu-based Dalsan Radio. Media affiliated with Al-Shabaab reported that a soldier was killed and three others wounded in the clashes.
Al-Shabaab said via affiliated media that its fighters had captured a vehicle belonging to a local MP and other equipment without giving further details. Militants also claimed that they had repelled an attempt by Burundi’s African Union troops to recapture the town.
Government troops have returned to Bal’ad, hours after its fall to the militants, according to Dalsan Radio. Local authorities have not yet commented on the recent developments.
It comes days after a power struggle between the Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and the President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo escalated over an attempted suspension of the Premier, prompting fear that it could distract the government from the fight against Al-Shabaab which controls large swathes of territory throughout south and central Somalia.
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