Somalia: Ethiopian troops advance on Al Shabaab-held town

Image

BARDERA, Somalia, July 9, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Hundreds of Ethiopian soldiers in battle tanks have advanced towards strategic Bardera town in southwestern Somalia by Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Ethiopian troops crossed the border to intensify anti-militant push and liberate areas remaining under the control of Al Shabaab fighters.

The military maneuver comes in reaction at a series of seizures made by militants since the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

Somalia government and Jubaland officials previously pointed to fresh military offensives against Al Shabaab.

Sierra Leonean peacekeepers headed home from their positions in Jubaland in the aftermath of Ebola in late 2014.

African Union forces in Bay, Bakool and Gedo regions have similar moves.

Ethiopian forces were officially integrated into African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in January 2014. 

GAROWE ONLINE 

Related Articles

Media Leaders Commit to Fact-Based Migration Reporting Across Eastern Africa

Journalists were encouraged to highlight these risks while avoiding sensational coverage that could stigmatise migrants or vulnerable communities.

  • Somalia

    22-06-2026

  • 07:49AM

Somali President Hassan Sheikh heads to Kenya for talks amid election crisis at home

The discussions are expected to focus on security, political stability, and efforts to secure a consensus-based electoral process.

  • Somalia

    21-06-2026

  • 10:25AM