Somalia's al Shabaab takes over town near capital after troops withdraw

MOGADISHU – Somalia's al Shabaab militants took over a town close to the capital Mogadishu on Saturday, officials said, after government troops withdrew from the area.

Bariire, in Lower Shabelle, is about 50 km (30 miles) from Mogadishu. In late August 10 Somalis—including three children—were shot dead there during a botched raid by Somali forces backed by US troops.

"We captured it this morning without any resistance. The soldiers left when we advanced towards the town," said Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab's military operation spokesman.

The government confirmed its seizure.