JILIB, Somalia Oct 2, 2014 (Garowe Online)-As Somali government forces along with African Union peacekeepers are pressing ahead with military offensive against beleaguered Islamist militants, Kenyan fighter jets reportedly unleashed airstrikes on Al Shabaab hideouts near Middle Juba regional district of Jilib of southern Somalia on Wednesday afternoon, Garowe Online reports.

According to independent sources, the airstrikes are believed to have inflicted heavy losses on Al Shabaab militants.

Kenya and Al Qaeda linked group have not spoken on the pre-planned attack.

Somalia’s Federal Government announced USD 2 million-bounty on the head of new Al Shabaab leader Abu Ubayda.

Jubaland leader Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) Wednesday held talks with AMISOM officials about the removal of Islamist insurgents from their bastions.

Madobe also asked AU mission in Somalia to train local forces who would replace foreign peacekeepers in the fight against Al Shabaab.

Kenya Defence Force (KDF) crossed the border into Somalia in response to string of kidnappings and killings, largely in the northeastern county. 

GAROWE ONLINE