MOGADISHU, Somalia — Al-Shabab militants have withdrawn from several villages in Somalia’s central Hiiraan region after government forces advanced, officials and local residents said Sunday.
The fighters pulled out of areas under the Maxaas and Moqokori districts in recent hours as Somali troops intensified operations aimed at regaining territory in the region.
Security sources said the militants regrouped in Maxaas and Moqokori, which remain under Al-Shabab control, after abandoning surrounding villages.
A senior Somali military officer confirmed the withdrawal, saying the militants fled due to fear of the ongoing operations by government forces.
Heavy fighting was reported Saturday in the Teedaan area, where government troops repelled an attempted advance by Al-Shabab. An armed pickup truck used by the militants was destroyed and several fighters were killed, officials said.
Al-Shabab has recently increased pressure in Hiiraan as it seeks to expand its presence near the town of Maxaas, a strategic area in central Somalia.
