MOGADISHU, Somalia Aug 27 2012 (Garowe Online) – Somali and African Union forces have seized the coastal city of Marko after Al Shabaab militants fled the city, Garowe Online reports.

Somali military officials told media Monday afternoon that the city was captured by the allied forces after Al Shabaab retreated.

“The district of Marko is in the control of Somali and AMISOM forces and there was no resistance when our forces entered the city,” said General Abdikarim Yusuf Adan.

According to local residents, before the Al Shabaab agents fled the city they had killed four people, it is unclear why they were killed.

“It was very tense in Marko we are still very worried. Before they [AL Shabaab] left they killed four people. We are waiting for change hopefully,” said Omar Nuur a Marko resident who spoke to GO.

The city of Marko which is located approximately 80 kms south of Mogadishu had been under Al Shabaab control for all of former President Sharif’s tenure.

The port city of Marko was used as a revenue base for the terrorist organization during that time which netted the organization supplies and income.

According to residents many top Al Shabaab officials resided in the city which only recently was titled the next target destination for allied forces fighting the lower Shabelle region.

As the political process continues the allied forces have continued there onslaught on Al Shabaab.  

GAROWE ONLINE