Al Shabaab captures central Somali town, presses on with advance
Tardo, a key crossroads linking larger urban centres, fell on Sunday after the al Qaeda-allied fighters of al Shabaab drove out government-allied clan fighters, Maj Mohamed Abdullahi told Reuters.
Al Shabaab has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2007 in a bid to topple the internationally-backed central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of sharia law.
"The group is advancing to other areas after the fall of Tardo," Abdullahi said. Somali forces and local clan fighters, known as Macwiisleey, are mobilising for a counterattack, he added.
A local elder, a clan fighter and a regional lawmaker confirmed the capture of Tardo, which could help al Shabaab move on to other bigger towns because of its position.
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