Al-Shabaab dislodged from strategic areas in southern Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants have retreated from the strategic east banks of River Shabelle in midlands, following a series of offensives waged by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], which has been assisting the Somali National Army [SNA] to settle.

For the last one month, the Al-Shabaab managed to move to the eastern parts of River Shabelle where they have been planning attacks before executing their plans. The eastern banks is where they have been hiding their vehicles used for suicide bombing, authorities said in a statement.

Intense fighting between the ATMIS troops and the Al-Shabaab was recorded throughout last month in eastern banks of River Shabelle, with Al-Shabaab now forced to retreat. The ATMIS team was shelling the area to disperse the militants, locals reported.

At some point, it needed the commander of the Land Forces Colonel Dayah Abdi to go there and mobilise the final push, which was concluded at the beginning of this week, authorities said. The ATMIS has been fighting to install local administration in strategic areas as part of Somalia's stabilization process.

According to analysts, the major hurdle remains whether the government and local fighters will hold those river crossing villages or retreat, and gift al-Shabaab another opportunity to return to Ciid Ciidka forest. The forest is viewed as a strategic point in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

For the last few months, Al-Shabaab militants have suffered significantly in the frontline, losing key strategic areas to the Somali National Army and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia. Also monitoring the war closely are the US Africa Command teams.

The government of Somalia has waged sustained operations against the Al-Shabaab, which have left more than 5,500 militants dead. In return, the Al-Shabaab have been carrying sporadic retaliatory attacks in several frontlines, triggering a series of military activities across Somalia.

Somali National Army is set to take over security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia in due course, but the ongoing withdrawal of foreign troops was technically paused following the request by the Somali National Army. The army controls huge swathes of the capital Mogadishu and most regional states.

GAROWE ONLINE