Gen. Adan Yabarow of the Somali national army told Sunatimes they are now advancing towards Bur-hakaba and hoped to reach there in the next few hours without facing resistance.

Al-Shabaab militants have reportedly pulled out of the town on Tuesday evening following reports that allied forces were advancing towards them.

Gen. Yabarow said they will continue their onslaught against the militant group in the region until several other districts including Dinsor, Wajid and Tiyeglow will fall.

The Al-Shabaab group has been losing several strategic towns since mid last year following government led offensive aimed at restoring law and order in the country.

On Sunday, the allied took control of Wanlaweyn town, Lower Shabelle, after militant fighters withdrew from the area without defending the town.

Al-Shabaab militants fled the town after the allied forces arrived at an area just few kilometers from the town and moved in the next morning without facing any resistance, according to locals who spoke to Sunatimes.