Somalia-Islamist Group Takes over Large Chucks of Lower Jubba Region

Kismayu.-An armed civilian group in Kismaayo town, Lower Jubba Region, took control of most of the localities of Kismayo town thursday residents said. The group, who call themselves the Khalid Ibn Walid Battalion, said that they would enhance security and fight those erecting illegal check-points, and deal with drug dealers who operate in the area.The group's commander, Sheikh Mustafa Ali A'anod, that they had support from the Sade clan administration, which was controlling Kismayo but failed to remove illegal check-points. Kismayo residents have warmly welcomed the move being adopted by the Khalid Bin Walid. The group captured Kismaayo's Far Janno neighbourhood Wednesday afternoon. The area, which was opposed to the transitional government, was previously being controlled by clan militia.