22 Aug 2009
Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam fighters have recaptured the central Somali town of Wabho from Ahlu Sunna forces, say eyewitnesses.

During the recent offensive, they also captured various Ahlu Sunna military bases, killing several dozen Ahlu Sunna fighters, A Press TV correspondent reported.

Al-Shabaab has regained increasing numbers of districts and towns in Somalia's Hiiran region, including 70 percent of the town of Baletweyne.

The poverty-stricken Horn of Africa nation has been grappling with the ongoing civil war which has crippled the 'lawless' state for around two decades.

Over 17,000 people have been killed and an estimated 250,000 others have been internally displaced over the past few months alone.

presstv