The Somali Federal Gov’t is reported to have deployed additional troops particularly the road linking Mogadishu to Jawhar after Al-shabab militants have reinforced their presence. The Somali National Army (SNA) launched operations to open the road linking Bal’ad and Jawhar. Local sources say that heavily armed Al-Shabab fighters entered the region, patrolling the roads and establishing checkpoints.
The operation launched by Somali troops is aimed to eliminate Al-Shabab fighters from the area and to allow the smooth flow of traffic. The areas affected include the stretch between Jawhar and Bala’ad, as well as the zone between Qalimoow and Bal’ad and Qalimoow and Jawhar. Al-Shabab expanded its presence the road connecting Bal’ad and Afgoye.
It is reported that the Somali troops are en route to the road to carry out operations which will be aimed at bolstering the security and eliminating the threat posed by the militant group. Local residents confirmed that Somali troops established checkpoints and conducted an operation against the militant group.
Commanders leading the anti-terrorism operation said that the objective is to prevent Al-Shabab militants to create a safe haven in these areas. It was recent when Al-shabab fighters were seen the road linking Ceelasha Biyaha , Lafole and Hawo Abdi. The fighters stopped public vehicles and searched them. The militant group disconnected the electricity from the major road in Ceelasha Biyaha. They told the local residents to live in peace.
