Somalia: Al-Shabaab capture border town 10 May 10, 2010 - 4:26:30 AM
Somalia's hardline Islamist Al Shabaab rebels have reportedly captured a southern Somali town that borders with Ethiopia after the pro-government forces vacated, local residents and official said.
Heavily armed Al-Shabaab fighters attacked Elberde, which was used as a base for newly trained government forces from regions in southern Somalia.
“Al-Shabaab fighters entered the town and took control,” said Nur Abdow, one of the residents.
“Some Al-Shabaab officials addressed the public and assured them of security. Even the businesses have reopened,” said Sheikh Adan mayow, one of the town’s elite.
No word from the government forces side, who have reportedly crossed the border, regarding the latest Al-Shabaab military advance.
The Al-Qaeda-inspired Shabaab controls large swathes of southern and central territories, frequently going into armed confrontations with the pro-government forces in its bid to consolidate its rule.
The UN-backed government, which survives under the guard of African Union troops, only controls few blocks in Mogadishu. The Horn of Africa country has been without a national government since 1991.
