![Soldiers belonging to the Burundian contingent of the African Union Mission prepare to march on the Al-Shabab held town of Ragaele, Somalia on 30 September 2014 [AMISOM]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/SAMISOM_15230279329-e1501415034639.jpg?fit=920%2C613&ssl=1)
Al-Shabaab fighters regained control of a key town in southern Somalia today, Garowe Online reported.
Just hours after African Union (AU) troops left Rasadaay, located 179 kilometres southwest of the capital Mogadishu, Al-Shabaab’s caravan of fighters moved in without any battle.
It is unclear why AU troops withdrew from the strategic town.
It is feared that Al-Shabaab’s control of Rasaaday may allow for attacks to take placeagainst AU troops in neighbouring Barawe and Mogadishu.
Al-Shabaab conducted a suicide operation on a hotel in Mogadishu last weekend, killing 29 people.
The Al-Qaeda-linked group seeks to dislodge the Government of Somalia and apply a strict interpretation of Islamic law across the country.
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