Somalia: Jubaland begins anti-Al Shabaab offensive
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- Posted On 09-09-2016, 02:51PM
KISMAYO, Somalia-Jubaland government in southern Somalia has launched a major assault on fewer bastions remaining under the control of Al Shabaab militants in an operation dubbed “Juba River”, Garowe Online reports.
Jubaland troops backed by African Union peacekeepers have wrested control of Abdalla Birole, some 60km south of the southern port city of Kismayo.
The liberated vicinity had since been a springboard and a key Launchpad for Al Shabaab militants, Jubaland officials were quoted as saying.
Al Shabaab fighters fled in advance of the onslaught according to residents. Moreover, the victorious forces in armored vehicles received a warm welcome in the outskirts of Abdalla Birole.
The allied troops handed out food items to villagers devastated by months-long blockade by the Somali militant group.
The capture of Abdala Birole marks a strategic advance in anti-militants drive poised for swathe of territory in Lower Juba, Middle Juba and Gedo regions.
Jubaland President Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) earlier vowed to cleanse large chunks of Al Shabaab militants. By Wednesday, Jubaland commanders welcomed three defectors who fought alongside Al Shabaab.
GAROWEONLINE
