Somalia: Al-Shabaab militants killed in Jubaland

Al-Shabaab are increasingly under onslaught from the federal army with assistance from the US Africa Command.

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A multi-agency security team led by the Jubaland military on Saturday neutralized Al-Shabaab militants between Jana Cabdalle and Afmadow towns, local media reported, just days after a state wide crackdown against the militants was reported by authorities in the Western part of Somalia. 
 
The federal troops with assistance from the Jubaland regional soldiers killed four militants between the two towns, who are believed to be senior Al-Shabaab commanders. The troops displayed two bodies; a spokesperson claimed they were preparing burial for the other two not captured by the camera.
 
Al-Shabaab are increasingly under onslaught from the federal army with assistance from the US Africa Command, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, regional troops and local militia, who have managed to displace them from various strategic towns in the country. 
 
Last week, Somalia’s Jubaland State announced launching the first of ‘multi-front military offensive’ against al-Shabaab. Jubaland reported that federal and regional forces captured Jana Cabdalle, about 52km northwest of Kismayo town without a fight at that time.
 
In recent weeks, the militants have been reportedly leaving several towns whenever they sense planned operation by the multi-agency teams. The teams have managed to reinstate civilian rule in several towns which President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud wants guarded with assistance from the international community. 
 
Speaking at police pass-out parade on Saturday, Jubaland state President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe said operations will begin soon to liberate Bu'ale, AlShabab's headquarters in the Middle Juba region, which is entirely under the militants' control for a number of years on.
 
Last week, leaders from frontline countries pledged to assist Somalia completely crush the Al-Shabaab extortionists who have been struggling to expand th.eir territory. President William Ruto of Kenya, Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti and Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the conference in Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE