Somalia: Al-Shabaab group recaptured town of Eel Ali in southern Somalia
Ethiopian forces serving with the African Union peacekeeping troops (AMISOM) have retreated from Eel Ali district in Hiiran region, following overnight attacks by al-Shabaab fighters, Garowe Online reports.
Local residents told GO that al-Shabaab militants have fired mortar shells at the Ethiopian military base in Eel Ali, located 70 km west of Beledwayne town, but so far no clear information on the casualties of the attacks has been reported.
“The militants were seen taking control of the areas shortly after the withdrawal of the Ethiopian forces towards Beledwayne town, where AMISOM forces stationed there,’ according to an eyewitness.
So far AMISOM troops have abandoned 7 areas in Central and Southern Somalia, whereas al-Shabaab regained control of those areas in the past 3 months.