Pro-Somali government forces have seized the town of Bulo Hawo on the border with Kenya and Ethiopia from the hardline Islamist group al-Shabab. This is seen as a significant victory for the weak, UN-backed government against the al-Qaeda-linked militants. Al-Shabab and their allies control most of southern and central Somalia but pro-government forces have been gaining ground in recent weeks. Kenya has responded by boosting security along the border.