![Soldiers belonging to the Burundian contingent of the African Union Mission in Somalia prepare to march on the Al Shabab held town of Ragaele in the Hiraan region of Somalia on September 30, 2014 [AMISOM]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/SAMISOM_15230279329-e1501415034639.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&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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