Militants seize army base in Somalia

The Islamist group al-Shabab has seized a military base in southern Somalia, which was until recently occupied by Kenyan troops.

Kenyan forces serving with the African Union force in Somalia have also withdrawn from another base in the area, near the Kenyan border.

Somali forces have also been leaving military bases in southern Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, saying they have not been receiving pay or rations.

The Somali Prime Minister, Hassan Khayre, said soldiers were being paid, but some were not on the payroll.

Al-Shabab continues to occupy large parts of southern and central Somalia, despite an intensification of US airstrikes.

source bbc