Somalia: AMISOM planning to launch assault on Al Shabaab-held areas

MOGADISHU, Somalia August 25, 2014 (Garowe Online)-As Al Shabaab group continues to pose formidable threat to security and humanitarian situation, African Union Mission in Somalia is planning to consolidate the gains against the militants according to officials, Garowe Online reports.

AMISOM spokesperson Col. Ali Adan Hamud has disclosed that they will press ahead with new military campaign in a bid to flush Al Shabaab fighters out of their few bastions.

Despite reports of unpaid salaries, Hamud insists the second phase would progress as planned and named militant’s strongholds in central and southern Somalia as the epicenter of the forthcoming offensive.

Meanwhile, residents of Hiraan regional district of Bulo Barde have been grappling with skyrocketing prices of food and water after militants imposed blockade on the newly liberated town.

Al Shabaab maintains strongest military presence in Barawe coastal where US Special Forces carried out foiled operation in late 2013. 

GAROWE ONLINE