... the personification of Somali state failure...
stronghold, an official and locals said on Thursday.
Ahmed Sheik Mohammed, Somali MP told Shabelle Media that heavily armed Somali government troops with battlewagons have moved on Wednesday night in the direction several Al shabab controlled areas near Hudur district and expect to seize the city within hours.
"If God wills, we will be in the rest of rebel-held locations near Hudur soon from Al shabab fighters. We are only 10km away," the Lawmaker, told Shabelle Media by phone from the town.
Residents in Hudur expressed frustration they say neither the government nor aid agencies have come to their assistance nor fear fighting is imminent, forcing many to flee.