Al Shabaab retake control of central Somalia town, 5 killed

GALKAYO, Somalia Apr 23 Fighters loyal to Islamist hardliners retook control of a town in central Somalia Thursday after a bloody battle that killed at least 5 people, Radio Garowe reports.The fighting erupted early in the morning and continued until midday, after Al Shabaab guerrillas attacked clan militias based in Jowlo town, in the central region of Mudug."Al Shababattacked clan militias who controlled the town…al-shabaab has now taken control," a witness in Jowlo town told local media, adding that at least 10 wounded people were being treated at hospitals in Mudug and Galgadud regions.The clan militias had withdrawn to the outskirts of town and worried residents had begun to flee the town for fear of renewed fighting, as clan militias were reportedly reorganizing.Last month, clan militias attacked Jowlo town and expelled Al Shabaab from the area.Al Shabaab fighters have been attacked many times in the central regions by clan fighters, forcing the Islamist group to retreat from key towns like Guri El and Dhusamareb, capital of Galgadud region.In southern Somalia, Al Shabaab fighters have come under attack in Middle Jubba and Lower Jubba regions, and military tensions remain high in those are