Nairobi, Nov. 24 -- The African Union says it will delay withdrawal of its sanctioned military forces in Somalia, citing resurgence of Al-Shabaab attacks.

The decision was reached on Wednesday by the African Union Peace and Security Council, the 15-member body that decides policy and programmes on security across the continent, following a request from Somalia.

It means that the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) will delay the stated gradual withdrawal by six months, allowing the forces to support Somali National Army to battle the resurgence of Al-Shabaab.

"[The PSC] confirms support for the FGS (Federal Government of Somalia) request to extend the Atmis Phase 1 reconfiguration for the drawdown of 2,000 Atmis troops ...