GAROWE (Somaliguardian) – Fighters of the Somalia-based militant group Al-Shabaab have taken control of a town in north Somalia, days after US President Donald Trump ordered withdrawing nearly all American troops from the conflict-torn nation.
Residents in the town of Milho near the coastal city of Lasqoray saw dozens of heavily armed militants patrolling the streets on Friday. Troops based in the town loyal to Puntland administration fled to nearby villages before Islamist fighters arrived.
A statement by Al-Shabaab armed group published on affiliated online media said its fighters captured Milho and carried out operations that saw the arrest of several people trafficking illicit drugs to regional cities.
Puntland authorities have not immediately commented on the fall of Milho, a key town that links between several cities in Sinaag region.
It comes weeks after Al-Shabaab seized several towns in Sanaag in a bid to exert its authority over the strategic region, though its fighters later pulled out without any confrontations with regional troops.
Meanwhile, there have been reports of a roadside bomb on the outskirts of Bosaso targeting Puntland army convoy. Casualties inflicted by the attack have not been immediately clear.
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