Jowhar (Sunatimes) Reports from Jowhar town say tension is prevailing in the town as Al-Shabaab rebel group fear the combined force that wrested Beledweyne town yesterday may move to the area.

Al-Shabaab fighters were reportedly seen conducting search operations in some parts of the town after rebel leaders urged them to be watchful.

The rebel group also set up new checkpoints right inside the town where they were reportedly searching vehicles coming in and out of the town.

Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab has ordered two clan elders in Jowhar to bring fighters to join its militias in the region.

Al-Shabaab’s move comes a day after combined forces wrested Beledweyne town from the militia group in effort to secure the entire region from the rebel group.