Tuesday, November 20, 2012
The Somali National Army, backed by African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces, are heading towards the strategic town of Buurhakaba in the Bay region, Somalia's Shabelle Media Network reported Tuesday (November 20th).
Al-Shabaab began withdrawing from the city on Tuesday as allied forces approach, said Buurhakaba District Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed Yusuf.
"Our forces are [in] an area not far from the town," he said. "God willing we will be there soon. We call upon the local people to stay indoors during the operation to seize it from al-Shabaab."
Al-Shabaab leaders described their withdrawal as tactical retreat, adding that the group will strike back against the government forces.
Buurhakaba is located 163 kilometres from Mogadishu and near the regional capital of Baidoa.