Militants overran and seized a town in central Somalia according to local contacts that spoke with Halgan Media on the condition of anonymity. Sources reveal AL Shabaab militants launched an early morning assault targeting the strategic town of Farilibaax situated 45 kilometers away from the city of Beledweyne in Hiiraan province.
Local contact informed the Halgan Media service desk that militants engaged Somali government troops in a brazen early morning raid, which led to fierce clashes between both sides. The Somali government troops where forced to retreat and subsequently abandon the town after being overpowered by militants.
Locals in the town of Farilibaax reveal following the withdrawal of government troops, the black flag of Al Shabaab was spotted flying over the center of the town. Government reinforcements have still not responded and the situation still remains tense. This latest incident in Hiiraan province comes just a mere few weeks after a US surveillance drone crashed in Al Shabaab controlled territory in Hiiraan province.
The Halgan Media service desk has reached out to officials in the provincial capital of Beledweyne for comment but we’re still yet to get a response. As we inch closer to the end of January, the militant group AL Shabaab continues to gain momentum and massive ground as the never ending conflict continues to intensify.
We will keep you updated with the latest developments from the region.
Halgan Media Editorial Board
Contact us : info@halganmedia.net
