Somali, AU Forces Capture Key Town From al-Shabab

[Classiq]

Somali and African Union (AMISOM) forces have re-taken the southwestern town of Bulomarer and several neighboring villages as part of an offensive against al-Shabab in the country's Lower Shabelle region.

Lower Shabelle governor Abdikadir Mohamed Nur told VOA's Somali service that allied forces secured the town on Saturday after overpowering fighters with the al-Qaida-linked group.

“The operation [dubbed] “Indian Ocean” started late last night, we passed through many villages, we captured Golweyn district and finally we captured Bulomarer town and positioned some of our military units,” he said.

The governor says at least 11 fighters were killed and two solders were wounded during the raid. There were no initial reports of civilian casualties but witnesses say some residents fled the area.

Bulomarer is about 120 kilometers from the capital, Mogadishu.

Officials say the allied forces are heading to the strategic port town of Barawe, a stronghold for al-Shabab fighters.

In recent years, Somali and AMISOM forces have pushed al-Shabab fighters out of major cities, but the group has continued to launch attacks on the government and other targets.

The military offensive is being conducted as humanitarian organizations and aid workers warn of possible famine like one three years ago that killed more than 250,000 Somalis.

In coming days a political battle awaits Somali officials and how they approach it could determine the security and stability of the newly liberated towns.

[Classiq]

Baraawe should be captured in 1-2 days

[Classiq]

Mogadishu (RBC) Somali government forces with the African Union Forces [AMISOM] took control of the strategic town of Bulo Marer in the Lower Shabelle region, southern Somalia.

The governor of Lower Shabelle, Abdikadir Nur Sidi told RBC Radio that the national army backed African Union troops secured the town today around 12.40 pm (local time) after a dawn operation which took more than 12 hours.

“As we moved from Qoryoley and Shalanbod this morning, there have been at least three places where they made resistance but you can imagine how someone using AK-47 rifle can aford to defend against a soldier who uses tank.” Mr Siidii added.

Bulo Marer town which is on the southwestern Lower Shebelle region has been the second largest base for Al Shabab fighters. According to the governor, the town has been a safe haven for the explosive experts of the militant group those included foreigners and who used the town as their stronghold to plan and organize the attacks.

Bulo Marer became known among the international news in January 2013 after a rescue attempt French special forces trying to free the DGSE agent Denis Allex captured by Al Shabab fighters ended with another French soldier was killed resulting the execution of Denis Allex by Al Shabab.

Mr Siidii told RBC Radio that he gave speech to a group of residents in Gol Weyn, which is about 90 km from Barawe town.

“After clearing Bulo Marer we will be heading to Barawe town until we reach Middle Jubba region as part of the Indian Ocean Operation.” the governor noted.

The number of the casualties in today’s operation is yet unclear, but locals in Bulo Mare confirmed the death of at least nine Al Shabab fighters and five African Union forces.

Heavy gunfire and mortar shelling could be heard since dawn of Saturday, a rsudent b Bulo Marer said.

“Few people remain in the town,.. all the residents fled to Barawe. Some fled to Marka town. Every place is closed.” the man added.

Meanwhile an Al Shabab managed website reported that Saturday’s fighting spread to Bulo Marer as the fighters of Al Shabab resisted the invasion of the African Union forces and the Somali government.

[Classiq]

After they are done with Lower Shabelle they will move on to Middle Jubba

[DR-YALAXOOW]

SNA will continue until kismayo there they will arrest warlords. Axmed madobe from ethiopia and warlord hiirale from galgadud..