20100208
presstv

Al-Shabab fighters have reportedly vacated their strongholds in Mogadishu ahead of a government offensive.

According to sources, the group has been pulling out all its weapons and vehicles from its main stronghold ever since they heard the reports of an imminent government attack.

Other reports also suggested that other Al-Shabab strongholds, including the Daynile district, have witnessed large movements of military personnel and equipment.

It is unclear if this is a military tactic that Al-Shabab is employing.

In addition, five people were killed and dozens of others injured on Sunday in shelling that rocked parts of the Somali capital Mogadishu, medics and witnesses said.