Somalia’s Special Envoy on Ma’awisley Ali Jayte accused national army troops of failing to resist Al-Shabaab during the capture of Mahas town in Hiran region.
Jeyte said the army abandoned their positions when Al-Shabaab fighters entered the town.
He said the troops didn’t fire a shot, allowing just 60 militants to seize the city with no resistance.
“They were only 60 fighters. Our forces didn’t fire. They simply fled,”he said.
He called for renewed efforts to retake recently lost areas from Al-Shabaab.
Troop mobilisation is underway in Baladweyne town to launch an offensive against the group.
Al-Shabaab continues to hold several towns in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.
Mahas’ fall after 13 years marks a major setback for federal and allied forces coordinating anti-militant operations in central Somalia.
