Allied troops move closer to Al-Shabaab strongholds in Somalia

KISMAYO, Somalia - Backed by regional and foreign soldiers, the Somali National Army (SNA) has moved closer to the Al-Shaabaab strongholds in Jubaland, a region regarded as the bedrock of the militants who are fighting to topple the government of Somalia.

On Wednesday, the military, which started offensives against Al-Shabaab in Southwest and Jubaland, captured a key village within Lower Jubba, marking the beginning of what could be the 'last' operations against the militants who are still dominant across the country.

According to military reports, the federal and regional forces on the frontlines reportedly reached Harbole after launching operations from Afmadow and Jana Cabdalla. Afmadow is found within Lower Jubba where the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) contingent operates from.

This operation reportedly has two aims - to clear the road between Kismayo and Afmadow, and to disrupt al-Shabaab movements between Middle Jubba and Baddamadow, Voice of America reports. Kismayo is the regional administrative capital of Jubaland state.

Meanwhile, the forces have also captured Welmaro village, northeast of Afmadow. The Kenya Defence Forces and their Ethiopian counterparts have been instrumental in the stabilization mission within Jubaland state for a while.

Although the objective of the mission is to limit Al-Shabaab movements, the long-run strategy could be liberating Jilib town in Middle Jubba, which is regarded as the headquarters of the militants. It is from Jilib town that they train, equip fighters besides plotting terror activities.

The operations in Jubaland and Southwest states had been delayed due to logistical challenges. However, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had reached out to neighboring states for support as the Somali National Army prepared to take over security responsibilities.

Already, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops have started leaving the country in compliance with the Somali Transition Plan (STP). Somalia has been fighting for stability, for over 30 years after the ouster of Siad Barre, the military ruler.

GAROWE ONLINE