MOGADISHU (SD) – The reports from El Adde area, which is approximately 60 km west of Beledweyne, say that Al-Shabaab has taken control the area today.

The takeover followed after the Al-Shabaab fighters launched a strong attack on the positions of the Al-Shabaab fighters in the Hiran region.

The battle between Al-Shabaab and local militias was said to be very intense and is said to have caused many casualties and injuries to both sides, there are no independent sources to verify the casualties.

El Adde residents have started to flee the area, since fighting is expected to flare up between local militias and Al-Shabaab.

Recently, there has been a significant increase in the war between Al-Shabaab and local Sufi forces known as Ma’awisley, opposed Al-Shabaab rule.