MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Al-Shabaab launched an attack last night on Balcad district in the Middle Shabelle region, briefly overrunning troops stationed there and clan militias, according to local residents who spoke to Kaab TV.
Al-Shabaab fighters entered Balcad district and seized the police station and the town centre, where they remained for approximately one hour before withdrawing.
Eyewitnesses reported that a brief exchange of fire took place at the police station, with the resident troops fleeing the scene.
Al-Shabaab militias had previously been present on the outskirts of Balcad and along the road connecting Jowhar and Balcad, which they control and where they collect money from vehicles at checkpoints.
Balcad is located 38 kilometres from Mogadishu.
No statement has been issued by the federal government or the Hirshabelle administration regarding Al-Shabaab’s brief seizure and subsequent withdrawal from Balcad district.
This attack, in which Al-Shabaab temporarily took control of Balcad, comes as large numbers of troops — including Turkish-trained forces and clan militias — have been deployed to Baidoa, where the federal government seized control from the South West administration the previous week.