KISMAYO, Somalia - A host of Security forces in Kismayo on Tuesday mourning launched an operation to hunt down those responsible for the grenade attack at the residence of deputy parliamentary speaker Abdi Baley Hussein Monday night.

The joint operation by the police and military has nabbed several suspects but there was no immediate comment from the authorities on the development, in an incident that further shows that security regions a tall order in various states within the country. 
 
The home of Hussein was Monday night hit by grenades but he was not harmed. Sources however said some of the residents including three relatives were injured.
 
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear. Targeted killings have in recent months been witnessed in Kismayo including the gunning down of a remittance company head in the town last month.
 
Jubaland is prone to Al-Shabaab attacks and the Al-Qaeda linked group has often targeted government officials, security forces, and civilians. The Al-Shabaab militants control parts of Middle and Lower Jubba regions despite the fact that the Somali National Army, Jubaland security forces, and AMISOM troops are stationed in the region. 
 
In recent weeks, security forces have intensified crackdown in several strategic towns in Somalia and have succeeded in securing a number of them. Several Al-Shabaab militants have succumbed in the process with hundreds of others surrounding security forces. 
 
By next year, the African Union Mission Forces are expected to withdraw from Somalia after almost a decade of peacekeeping missions. The Somali National Army is expected to take over all major security responsibilities upon their exit.
 
GAROWE ONLINE