The group’s executive committee chairman Mohamed Yussuf Hefow urged locals to be vigilant against militants fleeing government offensive in Middle Shabelle.

He said militants who fled Jowhar town have now reached areas between Bulo-burte and Harardere, threatening to carry out what he called an operation aimed at liberating locals in the region.

He accused the Al-Shabaab group of committing serious crimes against humanity and threatened to deal with it as soon as possible.

His sentiment comes just a day after government forces backed by AU troops wrested control of Jowhar town, forcing militants to flee without defending the town.