The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said on Tuesday that the Burundian troops that were stationed in Hawaadley settlement have been relocated after heavy floods hit the settlement.
Once Burundian troops withdrew, Al-Shabab fighters moved into the settlement. The Somali Federal Gov’t has been in control of the Hawaadley settlement for several years. Fighting occurred between Somali troops and Al-Shabab fighters which resulted the death of hundreds of gov’t soldiers and officers.
AUSSOM reported during the relocation that one of its helicopters experienced a mechanical problem. The statement from AUSSOM said that the pilots managed to skillfully land the helicopter in a peaceful manner without resulting any casualties. AUSSOM has not stated that Al-Shabab fighters have taken control of Hawaadley settlement after the Burundian troops have vacated.
The statement from AUSSOM stated that all Burundian troops were relocated to a military base near the settlement. Burundian troops who are stationed in Somalia are expected to leave the country soon. They are only waiting for other troops that will take over the security responsibility of settlements in Middle Shabelle province.
Hawaadlay authority said that Al-Shabab fighters did not take over the settlement by force. The authority reported that floods swept through the settlement which led the Burundian troops to be repatriated.
