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Al-Shabab Takes Control of Somali Town


The Islamic extremist group al-Shabab has taken control of the southern Somali town of Marka, residents there reported Friday, after African Union forces withdrew.

One resident said the insurgent fighters, carrying weapons, hoisted al-Shabab's flag on the coastal town's police station and administrative headquarters.

The al-Shabab takeover came a day after the Somali army and police stationed there left Marka, which is 70 kilometers south of the capital, Mogadishu.

There was no immediate comment from African Union officials.

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