Al Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab Redeploys Fighters to Gedo Region (Jubaland region on Ethiopia and Kenya's border with Somalia)

Al-Shabaab Fighters (File Photo)

Al Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab started on Monday to re-deploy their fighters from districts in Bay region to their frontlines in Gedo after facing increased military pressure from Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces and the pro-government militia of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa (ASWJ).

The insurgents dispatched at least 100 fighters to two districts in southwest Baidoa, specifically the villages of Qansah Dhere and Ufurow, according to local residents who spoke to Somalia Report on the condition of anonymity.“We saw cars and fighters leaving the district and heading towards Baidoa to join the fight in Gedo region," said a resident of Bay region. "The militias took their weapons including AK-47 rifles and artillery with them."The chairman of Qansah Dhere, Mohamed Abdi, and Ufurow's leader, Shiekh Abdiyow, were among those dispatched today, sources told Somalia Report.A local resident confirmed the main target of the militant group is Bohol-Bashiir town near Luq district where they were recently fought against pro-government forces.