MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Fighters of the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab have taken over areas near the airport of the coastal town of Kismayo in south Somalia’s Lower Juba region, Caasimada Online news website reported on Monday.
Insurgents entered the town of Yaaq-raar close to the administrative capital of Jubaland regional state without resistance from regional troops, who had withdrawn hours ealier.
Al-Shabaab said it had captured the area in a statement via its affiliated media, though reports say its fighters have later retreated from the town.
It comes days after Islamist insurgents captured the towns of Mataban, Go’don, El-dhere, Ber-gadid and Ba’da – all on a highway linking the capital Mogadishu to the northern regions of Somalia, though they later pulled back from some of the areas.
Jubaland authorities have not immediately commented on the claims, which Somaliguardian has been unable to verify independently.
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