SOMALI Islamist group al Shabaab is forcibly removing gold and silver teeth from residents in southern Somalia because it says they contravene strict religious law, locals from a coastal town said.

Residents in Marka say al-Shabaab has been rounding up anyone seen with a silver or gold tooth and taking them to a masked man who rips them out using basic tools.

"I never thought al-Shabaab would see my denture as a sin. They took me to their station and removed my silver tooth," resident Bashir said.

"I met several men and women whose dentures were being pulled out by a masked man they called a doctor. He used a pincer or his gloved hand depending on the strength of the tooth.

"As you smile your silver tooth accuses you. I was with my friend when three armed al-Shabaab ordered me to follow them," he added. "I am afraid they want to make money from taking all this precious metal."

Al-Shabaab officials declined to comment. The Islamist group says the gold and silver teeth are used for fashion and beauty, which is against strict interpretations of Islam, residents said.

The crude dental work has fuelled fears of health risks.

"Pulling or replacing teeth may lead to loss of blood and neurological damage," said Mohamed Mohamud of the faculty of medicine at Mogadishu's Benadir University. "The tooth may break and the remaining piece may cause sepsis. Worse, careless treatment may spread HIV."

Al-Shabaab is an al Qaeda-inspired militant group that has taken control of large areas of Somalia. Its hardline interpretation of Islamic law has shocked many Somalis, traditionally moderate Muslims. Some residents, however, give them credit for restoring order to the regions under their control.

In June, al-Shabaab officials in one of the group's strongholds ordered four teenagers to each have a hand and foot cut off as punishment for robbery.-AP