The African Union (AU) has vowed that operations against al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia.
In a statement, head of Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Francisco Madeira said AMISOM and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) will continue conducting joint military operations to liberate regions still under the control of Al-Shabaab.
Madeira said the resolve by AMISOM and the federal government to defeat Al-Shabaab and bring back peace and security remains unshaken.
“As we celebrate Eid al-Adha, let me congratulate the Force Commander and the Sector One Commander for the important achievements they have made, the recent one being the liberation of Awdheegle,” he said.
He stated that the strong working relations between AMISOM and the Somali security forces had made the liberation of bridge towns possible.
The official affirmed that SNA and AMISOM will continue pushing for the strengthening of the Somali security forces following the recent success of the joint military operations.
“Today, partners are helping Somalia generate trained and equipped forces. It is these forces that, with our support, are now holding liberated towns,” he observed.
Madeira stressed the importance of troop generation in securing Somalia, saying the country needs trained forces capable of holding liberated territories.
He praised the federal government for making troop generation a priority, saying Somali National Army (SNA) battalions are the ones holding liberated territories in these four towns.
Awdheegle is the fourth bridge town to be liberated in the Lower Shabelle region, this year, from Al-Shabaab by Somali security forces with the support of AMISOM troops.
Other towns are Sabiid, Bariire, and Eel-Saliini.
