Somalia: Govt forces seize key areas from Al-Shabaab

JOWHAR, Somalia - Somali government troops on Sunday captured the al Shabaab strongholds in Lower and Middle Shabelle regions in the south of Africa Country following offensive, Garowe Online reports.

The command of Somali National Army (SNA) said the forces wrested control of Basra, Bulo-Kuto, Daniga Balow, and Jabalul with no major resistance after the militants fled from the villages ahead of the troops’ advance.

The SNA soldiers are now conducting mine clearing operations in the liberated areas, as they prepare for an all-out assault aimed at driving Al Shabaab fighters out of their remaining positions in Somalia, according to local residents.

This comes amid a security meeting in Mogadishu between Somalia's Federal Member states and the central government ahead of an expected offensive to dislodge the Islamic extremists in the country.

Somali leaders participating in the extensive talks in Mogadishu in the capital are looking for a united front against Al Shabaab, which poses the biggest threat to the national security and the state-building.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo announced that his government will avenge the Oct. 14 truck bombing at Zoobe Junction in Mogadishu that left more than 377 people dead.

Last month, president Farmajo paid a trip to Uganda, Ethiopia and Djibouti and asked an enhanced support from neighbouring countries which contributed troops to AMISOM to bolster the expected military offensive.

Despite being pushed out of key areas, Al Shabaab still controls large swathes of ground in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE