Ethiopian forces and Somali pro-government troops have captured a major base from al-Shabab militants, residents say.
The central town of El Bur was one of the main bases still controlled by the al-Qaeda-linked group, analysts say.
But residents say al-Shabab fighters had withdrawn before the pro-government forces arrived.
Al-Shabab still controls many southern areas but is also under pressure from Kenyan and African Union forces.
Kenyan troops invaded from the south last year, while the AU force has pushed al-Shabab out of the capital, Mogadishu.
Residents of El Bur say they have seen Ethiopian armoured personnel carriers move into the town, which was taken without a fight.
BBC Somali service analyst Mohamed Ibrahim Mwalimu says the capture of El Bur opens the way to other nearby areas.
Ethiopian forces were accompanied by fighters from moderate Islamist militia Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamaa, which is allied to the UN-backed government.
Somalia has been without an effective central government since 1991 and since then, has been convulsed by conflict.
The UN-backed government only controls the capital, Mogadishu.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
More money, less taxes, and smarter spending: Finance Minister breaks down new economic reforms
13 minutes -
Black Sherif unleashes highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Iron Boy’
19 minutes -
Kwame Agbodza criticises late award of 80km Sampa-Jinijini road contract
21 minutes -
Asiedu Nketiah struggles to gain ground in NDC’s 2028 presidential race – Global InfoAnalytics
23 minutes -
I am excited about Pencils of Promise’s intervention projects – Ja Rule
40 minutes -
Mahama’s job approval hits 66%; signalling strong confidence in him – Global InfoAnalytics survey
45 minutes -
Presidency and Military ranked least perceived corrupt institutions in Ghana now – Global InfoAnalytics
51 minutes -
Police, Immigration, Judiciary ranked top 3 most corrupt institutions in Ghana – Global InfoAnalytics survey
58 minutes -
Bawumia leads NPP race with 48% of Ghanaians approval rate – Global InfoAnalytics
1 hour -
68% of voters say Akufo-Addo caused NPP defeat – Global Info Analytics
1 hour -
57% of NPP supporters prefer Bawumia to run for 2028 – Global InfoAnalytics
2 hours -
Nigerian pastor acquitted of rape after eight years in South African jail
2 hours -
Alcohol makes male fruit flies more attractive
2 hours -
UK to keep pushing for deal after Trump imposes 10% tariff
2 hours -
World leaders call Trump tariffs ‘wrong’ and ‘unjustified’
3 hours