AU, Somali forces capture key town in central Somalia

Somali National Army backed by the African Union peacekeeping troops on Friday captured Galcad town in Galdugud region in central Somalia after Al-Shabaab militants withdrew from the town, officials said.

Governor of Elbur town in the same region confirmed that Galcad town fell into the hands of the allied forces operating in the region without any confrontation.

"The joint forces got information about the militant group who withdrew from the town and immediately took control of Galcad which is between Elbur and Eldher towns in the region, the fall came peacefully," Gutale said.

Last week, the joint forces captured Bud-bud location about 30 kilometers to Galcad town east of Galgudud region under Galmudug State in Somalia.

The militants did not comment on the reason of their withdrawal so far.

The group also suffered great losses after heavy fighting with forces of Galmudug State in mid March.

Source: XINHUA