Somali militants abandon strategic island

KISMAYO, Somalia, March 22, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked group in Somalia have withdrawn from a strategic island in Somalia as the result of advancement by Somali troops backed by the African Union forces, officials told GO on Sunday.

The loss of Kudha, an island that lies 70km south-west of Kismayo is a major setback for the Al-Shabab and serves as a resounding victory for the allied forces who recaptured the town peacefully.

Al-Shabab used the island's harbor to smuggle weapons into the horn of Africa nation to build up its deadly insurgency against the African Union forces in Somalia and Somali government.

The recapture of Kudha by government forces will help the weak UN-backed government to link key towns and villages in the Jubba region as well as cutting off the transit point for the Al-Shabab's new recruits crossing over the Kenya border.

Residents in the Island reported seeing Kenyan helicopters hovering over the area after militants' withdrawal, making reconnaissance before troops moved in.

Heavy seasonal rains that started in Somalia will have a major impact on troops' mission. Rains often cut off roads, bogging down troops progress. It's unclear if militants would be able to step up attacks during the seasonal rains.

No comments could be reached from Al-Shabab on the latest development.The regional Jubbaland forces have forced militants out of Kudha in October last year,  however, Al-Shabab struck back, recapturing the island in November 2015.

Most of the Kudha residents' livelihood is dependent on fishing, exporting fish to Kenya by sea.

GAROWEONLINE