Reports from Hiiraan region say that Moqokori district is facing a situation of uncertainty after Al-Shabab militants reinforced their presence in the outskirts of the town in Middle shabelle province.
Al-Shabab militants on last Wednesday seized Adan Yabaal district after fierce fighting ensued between Al-Shabab militants and Somali National Army (SNA).
Members of Al-Shabab militants now turned their attention to Moqokori.
Reports indicate that Somali National Army withdrew from the district.
Reports further confirm that local Ma’awisley forces are currently stationed in the district.
Somali Army Chief General Odowaa Yusuf Raage left from Moqokori on last Saturday and headed to Mogadishu.
Reports from the district further say that local residents are faced with a fear while some of the residents have started to flee.
Al-Shabab militants are reported that they intend to disrupt the mobilization of troops as they are planning to attack Al-shabab militants in Adan Yabaal district.
The reason why Al-Shabab militants reinforced their presence in Moqokori district is interpreted as a move which they intend to ease the pressure from Somali National Army (SNA) that target Adan Yabaal.
It is not yet clear if Ma’awisley forces alone can defend Moqokori from Al-Shabab militants.
It is not also quite clear if Ma’awisley forces will retreat from Moqokori district.
If Somali gov’t and Hirshabelle lose control of Moqokori district, it will be the first town that Al-shabab militants take control in Hiiraan province since Al-shabab militants reinforced their presence in the East of Hirshabelle.
