Al Shabaab claimed to have captured small town in Hiiraan region

Alshabab claimed to have captured El-Adde town, which is 60 kilometres west of Beledweyne, following heavy fighting between the militants and an anti-al Shabaab militia known locally as the (Macawisley).

Residents reported heavy casualties on both sides, though the number of people killed or injured in the fight is unknown. Initial reports say some of the locals have begun to flee their homes because the force that was removed from the town is not far from the area, and it is possible that fighting will erupt.

The small town of El-Adde bears the same name as the town of El-Adde in the Gedo region, which was the scene of the deadliest attack on Kenyan troops since their independence.

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who visited Beledweyne last week, encouraged the local organized people and government troops to continue their offensive against Al-Shabaab.