Mogadishu, May 03: Dozens of fighters from a Somali militia group have seized the port town and major pirate hub of Harardhere in northern Somalia, residents said.
The Hizbul Islam militia group’s control over the city has raised concerns for three international ships and 60 crew held there.
It is expected that the group will try to gain a foothold in Haradhere before the rival militant group al-Shabab.
The combination of pirate trade and the more dangerous insurgency could have perilous consequences for more than 300 foreign hostages that are being held by the Somali pirates.
“Around 200 heavily armed militants with 14 vehicles mounted with guns moved into our town early this morning and took up strategic positions, such as the police station and some former government premises,” resident Aden Jim’ale told the Associated Press by telephone on Sunday.
Mohamed Abdi Aros, Hizbul Islam’s head of operations, has confirmed the news.
——-Agencies