Al-Shabaab could retake Qoryooley and other Somali towns
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Caasimada Online
The armed group Al-Shabaab could retake several towns administered by the Somali state, including Qoryooley, according to the International Crisis Group. The organisation warns that the gradual withdrawal of African forces and the exhaustion of UN logistical support could weaken government control, according to its analysis.
The jihadist group Al-Shabaab could retake control of Qoryooley, in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, and Jalalaqsi, in the Hiiraan region, the International Crisis Group (ICG), an organisation specialising in conflict prevention, has warned. These towns would be particularly exposed if foreign forces withdrew without sufficiently capable Somali soldiers taking their place.
The warning comes as African Union forces prepare to reduce their presence in Somalia and United Nations logistical support is nearing its end, according to the ICG. Qoryooley is among the towns currently surrounded by Al-Shabaab, the organisation said.
