Al-Shabaab militant group on Sunday killed six traders and burnt eleven trucks which were carrying food to Hudur town, the headquarters of Bakool region in southwestern Somalia, a local official has said. Deputy Governor of Hiiraan region, Abdirahman Muhumed Takoy accused the militants of killing six local traders who were transporting goods to Hudur town. The incident happened at Qura'a-Jome village which is under the control of Al-Shabaab militants. "Al-Shabaab seized eleven trucks heading to Hudur town. They killed six traders and burnt the vehicles together with commodities," said Takoy, "The trucks left from this town to Beledweyne town in Hiiraan region."It is said the trucks belonged to individuals in Beledweyne town and were used for business.

In March, Al-Shabaab fighters shot and killed nine transport donkeys ferrying goods to government-controlled areas in Bakool region.

The militants burnt the goods at Elboon, 15 kilometres west of Wajid town.

Al-Shabaab militants have isolated Wajid, Hudur and many other towns in Bakool from other towns in the country and have been blocking humanitarian assistance from reaching vulnerable populations there.

The Somali army, alongside the African Union peacekeeping troops in Somalia, has been battling Al-Shabaab militants, which still controls rural areas in southern Somalia and often attack military and civilian targets in the country.

The Somali government and African Union Mission (AMISOM) have vowed to end the siege, but several towns in Bakool, Bay, Galgudud and Hiiraan regions continue to be surrounded by the militants.