Dar Es Salaam — The Somali president on Wednesday disclosed that despite Mogadishu pullout, combat operations against the al Qaeda inspired militant group will be continuing.

Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the leader of famine stricken Somalia made the comments during one day official trip to Dar es Salaam.

"We will never stop battles against al Shabaab, and our forces had the ability to force them run away from Mogadishu. The eradication campaign against the rebel group will certainly continue" Ahmed said.

In his visit to Tanzania, the president held key meeting with counterpart Jakaya Kikwete, discussing how famine hit Somalia hit Somalis could be assisted.

Tanzania said it will send humanitarian assistance to Somalia in the days to come to help alleviate the starvation resulted in by the drought and famine.

However, the statement of Somali leader comes as al Shabaab, which controls large swathes in south-central Somalia, declared it had retreated Mogadishu over the weekend after days of fierce battles with government forces backed by AMISOM peacekeepers. It is sourced from AHN.