Mogadishu (Alshahid)-Somali government and African Union forces have driven Alshabab militants from the strategic town of Bal’ad, north of the capital, Mogadishu.

Troops encountered little resistance as they captured the town of Bal’ad from Alshabab fighters, said Somali military Col. Abdullahi Ali Anod.

Speaking about the importance of Balad town the AMISOM Deputy Force Commander Brigadier General Audace Nduwumunsi said: “The Alshabab were using Bal’ad to launch attacks on Mogadishu. Now that it is liberated, the city of Mogadishu will be much secure from terrorist activities”.

Balad is on a key road in the Middle Shabelle region, about 30 kilometers from the capital.

Whoever controls Balad controls a key bridge across the River Shabelle on the road to the city of Jowhar and the north of the country.

Alshabab once controlled most of southern and central Somalia, but has steadily lost ground in an offensive by AU, Somali, Kenyan and Ethiopian forces.