MOGADISHU (SD) – Somalia based terror group, Al-Shabaab has wrested a military base vacated by African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) in Lower Shaballe region.

Forces of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) operating under the frame work of Amisom have this week handed over Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Marianguwaay to Somali military.

The base was in the hands of the Ugandan contingent since 2014.

In a statement posted on its affiliate media, Al-Shabaab militant group claimed that its fighters had taken control of the base and the town in Lower region.

The militants reportedly captured the vicinity without resistance as SNA forces vacated the base.

Last Monday, Amisom handed over responsibilities of the base to Somali Forces after it made progress in the war against Al-Shabaab.

Amisom announced on June 20 that it has moved its Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Marianguwaay that was in the hands of the Ugandan contingent since 2014.

The region still remains a stronghold of the militants.

Amisom set up the Marianguwaay FOB in October 2014 to ease the movement of troops between the port cities of Marka and Barawe.