Somalia National Army forces have withdrawn from Gofgadud area, 30Km from Baidoa town, the provincial capital of Bay region, residents said.
The reportedly vacated the area over unknown reason.
The area was re-captured by government troops backed by forces from South-West State administration.
In an online statement, Al Shabaab said it had entered and liberated the area, shortly after the forces pulled out.
Somalia military officials were unavailable to reach on the phone for comments on the vacation made their forces.
