Somalia, AU Troops Enter Areas in Offensive Against Al-Shabaab in Somalia

US-backed forces of the Somalia Transitional Federal Government and AMISOM enter the town of Wanlaweyn. The Horn of Africa nation is being occupied by imperialism utilizing proxy forces from the region., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Somalia: Somali, AU troops take more areas from al-Shabaab

Government forces in Somalia backed by troops from the African Union have in the past days launched a series of offensives throughout the country, aimed at taking larger territories from the al-Shabab fighters.

BY PRESS TV
ON FEBRUARY 20, 2013

“Allied forces began advancement out of the strategic town of Jowhar which was captured in December in the hope of seizing larger territories from the local al-Shabaab fighters”.

Locals in the town say they’ve seen convoys of Somali and African Union forces enter Mahaday district, Burane settlement and Jowhar Airport.

With the latest advancement, the African Union Mission in Somali, AMISON, now hopes that it can liberate more regions from al-Shabab fighters, but it’s called for enhanced efforts to help bring an end to the crisis in the country.

Elsewhere in Lower Juba region, Kenyan forces under the African Union mission have captured Bulagudud town, 30 kilometers north of the port city of Kismayo. Until recently, that town served as a military center for Al-Shabaab fighters.

The African Union Special envoy to Somalia has stressed on the need for rebuilding the country. He made the comment during a meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and promised that the AU mission will continue to play a key role in the stabilization of Somalia.

Officials from the African Union Mission in Somalia have recently held lengthy discussions with local leaders in several towns taken from al-Shabab fighters. They’ve also met elders from a number of more districts to exchange views on how to enhance security and maintain military achievements.

The African mission hopes that negotiations with Somali elders will help consolidate the recent military gains and bring further local support.