Al-shabab group vacates from key towns in southwestern Somalia

Residents in Afmadow town, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of their safety, say Kenya and Somali government troops are carrying out a joint military offensive against the Al-shabab fighters and are heading to the stronghold towns and villages in Lower Jubba region.

Kenyan military spokesman Emmanuel Chirchir said on his Twitter that an air strike on Sunday in Hayo area, destroying Al-shabab five technical equipment and a tractor and eliminated Al Shabaab militants.

Chirchir added: “The next battlefield will be Afmadhow and Kismayu which the troops expect to capture in the coming week.”

Kenya has sent troops and tanks into Somalia in October last year to pursue Al-shabab fighters, following a spate of border cross attacks and kidnappings against foreigners in Kenya by the militants.

Keydmedia.net