War fears in Bakool region

HUDDUR, Somalia Aug 24 (TF.SF) - There are fears that fighting could erupt in parts of southwestern Somalia after reports surfaced that government forces have entered rebel-held areas, Radio Garowe reports.Residents in Rabdhure district, in Bakool region adjacent to the Ethiopian border, have reported the arrival of Somali government forces ahead of a possible military offensive against towns under the control of Al Shabaab insurgents.
A witness said the government soldiers entered small towns near the Ethiopian border, conducted brief search operations, but later withdrew."The Islamists have responded by threatening to attack…this has created fear in Rabdhure," said the witness, who lives in the district that saw fierce fighting in March when government forces lost control and fled into Ethiopia.Local elder Aden Ali Yarow, who spoke for clan elders in Bakool region, told Somali media on Monday that local elders have asked government forces and the insurgents "not to attack" the town.There are growing fears of clashes in Bakool region. Last week, pro-government forces and insurgent fighters exchanged control of border towns in Gedo region, but there were limited skirmishes.Somalia's rebel groups, Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam, control many of the country's southern and central regions, including the key towns of Kismayo, Baidoa and Marka.