The allied forces took control of Hudur town, the regional capital city of Bakol region, without facing any resistance from Al-Shabaab rebel fighters who have been holding the town for three years, according to Somali legislature Ahmed Sheikh Mohamed Lahos who is accompanying the allied forces.

Lahos told Sunatimes that the allied forces were moving to the outer edges of the town to ensure they had full control of it, saying that locals have welcomed them into the town.

Al-Shabaab fighter fled the city following reports that the allied forces were advancing towards the city after engaging a deadly fight with the combined forces at an area about 60 km from El-Barde on Wednesday.

Lahos claimed they killed more than 12 militant fighters and seized weapons from the group during the yesterday fight. He also said there were no casualties on their side.

Heavily armed Somali government troops were reportedly seen patrolling streets along the town.