Somalia: AU Mission denies takeover of strategic town by al-Shabab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Saturday dismissed reports that extremist group of al-Shabab has recaptured the recently liberated town of Sabiid in the southern region.

The AU mission said the strategic town of Sabiid, which located about 40 km south of Mogadishu, is still controlled by the allied forces.

"Kindly disregard reports circulating that the terrorists have seized the recently liberated town of Sabiid. Sabiid is currently under the full control of Somali government forces with support from AMISOM," said the AU mission in a statement.

AMISOM said the joint forces continue to work in coordination for peace across the Horn of Africa nation and dismissed the takeover reports as propaganda by the extremist group.

"Al-Shabab and their supporters are at pain with the loss of Sabiid and their inability to face the firm grip of the town by the Somali government forces. They are now resorting to propaganda and disinformation," said the AU mission.

AMISOM troops in a joint operation with the Somali National Army (SNA) liberated the strategic bridge town of Sabiid from the control of the insurgents on April 1.

Sabiid town, situated in Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, is one of the strategic objectives which are earmarked for liberation.