African, Somali troops retake town on way to rebel stronghold
- 10 years ago
African peacekeeping troops and Somali forces say they've recaptured the southern town of Bulamareer from Islamist al Shabaab rebels.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMISOM COMMANDER, BRIG. GEN. DICK OLUM, SAYING:
"The Al-Shabaab really resisted, they fought very hard for it, you can see the tires they burnt in the town and you can see how they were firing on us from the roof tops."
Commanders say they are now a step closer to the insurgent stronghold of Barawe.
Al Shabaab ruled most of the southern region of Somalia from 2006 until 2011, when African troops marched into the capital.
They have regained several towns this year, but rebels still hold other centers and tracts of countryside.
A spokesman for the African Union says many rebels were killed in Saturday's attack but did not give a number.
A Ugandan soldier was reportedly killed and two soldiers wounded.
Many of the town's residents fled after being warned of an imminent attack.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMISOM COMMANDER, BRIG. GEN. DICK OLUM, SAYING:
"The Al-Shabaab really resisted, they fought very hard for it, you can see the tires they burnt in the town and you can see how they were firing on us from the roof tops."
Commanders say they are now a step closer to the insurgent stronghold of Barawe.
Al Shabaab ruled most of the southern region of Somalia from 2006 until 2011, when African troops marched into the capital.
They have regained several towns this year, but rebels still hold other centers and tracts of countryside.
A spokesman for the African Union says many rebels were killed in Saturday's attack but did not give a number.
A Ugandan soldier was reportedly killed and two soldiers wounded.
Many of the town's residents fled after being warned of an imminent attack.