Somalia: Heavy fighting in Lower Jubba region 26 Jul 26, 2012 - 8:50:18 AM
BARDHERE, Somalia Jul 26 2012 (Garowe Online) – Heavy fighting broke out in the southern town of Bardhere between Al Shabaab and Somali forces backed by African Union troops, Garowe Online reports.
The fighting broke out near Bardhere and Kulbiyow town, located in the Lower Jubba region where Al Shabaab has maintained their stronghold. The number of casualties at this time is still unknown.
Local sources told GO that the fighting broke out after Al Shabaab agents had ambushed vehicles carrying Kenyan and Somali troops coming from Kulbiyow headed to Bardhere.
The fighting lasted for many hours with both sides reportedly firing heavy artillery.
Transitional Federal Government (TFG) military officials who spoke to media said that the ambush by Al Shabaab insurgents was successfully repelled by TFG and Kenyan forces but did not comment on casualties sustained in the battle.
As allied forces mount increased operations in southern Somalia, Al Shabaab has relied on ambush tactics as their main form of resistance against the allied forces.
Al Shabaab have had internal problems as well, as the terrorist organization have been handed a long list of defeats in southern Somalia, the group has grown immensely distrustful of some of its own agents, accusing some of working with foreign intelligence agencies.
Earlier this week, Al Shabaab executed three of its agents, after a tribunal found the three guilty of working with British and American intelligence agencies.
Reportedly the three were found guilty of leading foreign fighter and Al Shabaab official, Bilal el Berjawi to his death, after a vehicle carrying him and others was targeted in drone strike.
GAROWE ONLINE
