“Somalia’s government is celebrating the capture of a string of towns from Al Qaida-linked Al Shabab rebels, but the Islamists say they will retaliate and warn the ‘war is far from over’. The offensive by African Union forces backing Somali government troops began last month, with Al Shabab fighters largely fleeing in advance, escaping unscathed to strike back in guerrilla attacks. “
Source: Al Shabab defiant amid government gains | GulfNews.com