Al-Shabaab holds rally to seek support from Qoryoley residents

An Al-Shabaab organised demonstration aimed at wooing support for its war against the government and its allies in the region has been held in rebel-held Qoryoley town, Lower Shabelle.
The Thursday morning pro-militant demonstration sought financial and material support from the local population in the region as the allied forces gain more territories.
Reports say two militant leaders identified as Ali Hassan and Abukar Moalim led hundreds of militant supporters during the protest.
Hassan called on the group’s supporters to sacrifice their wealth and lives for the sake of the group’s fight against the government and its allied African Union forces in Somalia.
Participants were mainly women and children who were allegedly forced to take part in the protest. Business activities in the area came to standstill during the protest.
The protest comes amid reports that government troops backed by African union forces are heading towards the town in effort to ouster the rebel rule in the district.