Al-shabab commanders flee towards Yemen

Reports from southern Somalia says that close to 100 members of the militant group Al-Shabab streamed out of the port town of Kismayu, directing towards Yemen, a sign the militant group is under increasing pressure.

Residents say at least three speed boats have docked at the port of Kismayu on Wednesday alone to carry 100 militants — mostly foreign fighters — fleeing to Yemen, only weeks after the Al-shabab and Al-Qaeda announced their merger.

Senior Al-shabab commanders ordered local residents in Kismayu town, which is just 500km away south of Mogadishu to come out in the streets and squares in the city, urging people to join the battlefields of the militants in Somalia.

Al-Shabab has formally merged with Al-Qaeda — a move that analysts say was an attempt to give a boost of confidence to an insurgent force that is losing power.