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.