Somali, AU forces advance towards Al Shabaab-held town

JALALAQSI, Somalia Sept 1, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Somali Government forces backed by Burundian contingents moved into central regions from Middle Shabelle regional capital of Jowhar as part of ongoing military offensive against Al Shabaab militants, Garowe Online reports.

According to officials, the allied forces reached Fiidow, a key bastion lying on Middle Shabelle-Hiiraan border and seized Kililka Shiinaha and Dhiin Garas enroute to Jalalaqsi town which remains under the control of Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group.

“We engaged in skirmishes with [Al Shabaab fighters] in some areas, army captured Fiidow, Dhiin Garas and Kililka Shiinaha and we are advancing on Jalalaqsi,” Abdirizak Khalif Elmi, Somali National Army mobilizer told reporters on Monday.

Meanwhile, allied forces liberated Lower Shabelle region town of Kuntu-Waarey from Al Shabaab militants without resistance.

Lower Shabelle Governor Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Siidi unveiled that African Union peacekeepers and Somali troops would attack key Al Shabaab strongholds including Bu’ale and Saakow in Middle Jubba region.

Somali militant group lost string of strategic towns in southern and central Somalia in planned onslaught by allied forces. 

GAROWE ONLINE