Al-Shabaab frees prisoners in Somalia ahead of offensive

Al-Shabaab militants have released several prisoners in the southern Somali town of Bardere following major onslaught by African Union and Somali National Army (SNA) troops in the militants' strongholds.

Residents in the strategic town in Gedo region said they saw several prisoners released from detention camps in the town which had been occupied by the militants. Some of the insurgents have also fled the town.

Farah Mohamed, a resident of the Bardere town, told Xinhua by phone on Wednesday that his son was among the released prisoners on Tuesday.

"We are very delighted by the release of our son despite the ordeal and trauma he had been going through during his detention," Mohamed said.

Medina Bare, a 45 year-old mother whose son was among the released was excited for the reunion, saying his son was not injured during the period in captivity.

"This is a miracle I did not expect these Al-Shabaab militants would release my son from captivity, it is an act of God," Bare told Xinhua.

Al-Shabaab authorities in the town did not comment on the sudden release of the prisoners, but pro-Al-Shabaab radio Andulus said both Ethiopian and Kenyan forces have carried out air raids in the towns and the villages under their control.

Frightened at the possibility of a battle between Al-Shabaab and Somali and AU troops, residents have begun moving to safer areas.

The governor of Bay region Abdirashid Ali Mohamedi said they are expecting more people will flee the fighting in coming days.

He urged the humanitarian organizations to come into the rescue of displaced people.

Bardere is a strategic town which Al-Shabaab has been holding for last six years and its loss will be a big blow to the militants fight against both Somalia and neighbouring Kenya.

The insurgents have continued to wage attacks against the Somali government even as they lose foot in most of the major bases they earlier controlled.