Somalia: Al-Shabaab militants capture strategic town of Af Urur July 20

Event

A group of Al-Shabaab militants had taken control of Af Urur (Puntland region) as of the morning of Friday, July 20 (local time). The town was reportedly only lightly defended by security forces on the evening of Thursday, July 19, before the Al-Shabaab militants overran the area. Additional Al-Shabaab attacks are possible in the Puntland region in the near-term.

Context

Somali security forces and Al-Shabaab militants have reportedly fought over Af Urur, strategically located near the main road that links Garowe, Bosaso, and Mogadishu, several times before.

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of Somalia and attacks from the group are frequent across the country, including in the capital Mogadishu. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

The security environment in Somalia remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.