MOGADISHU - Al-Qaeda-linked al-Shebab fighters yesterday abandoned their last bastion in Somalia, retreating from the port city of Kismayo. The withdrawal from the southern city that has been a key economic lifeline for the insurgents came a day after African Union troops launched a major assault to finally dislodge the rebels. "The military command of Shebab mujahedeen ordered a tactical retreat at midnight", Shebab spokesman said. AFP
MADRID - Ten people, including a young girl and an elderly woman, have died in southern Spain as a result of floods brought on by downpours. Five people died in the Andalusia region - a woman in her 80s, a couple found in their car, a man who died of a heart attack and another man in the village of Archidona, near Malaga. Five people have also died in the neighbouring region of Murcia. AFP