KISMAYU (Halbeeg News) – At least nine people have been killed and several others wounded in clashes between Al-Shabaab and local fighters near Jilib town of Middle Jubba region.
Speaking to the media, Mohamed Ibrahim, Middle Jubba region Deputy Governor in charge of security said the fighting broke out between clan militias and Al-Shabaab fighters in remote areas under Jilib district.
“Al-Shabaab arrested several farmers claiming that they (farmers) were Kenyans. Irate locals stormed Al-Shabaab bases prompting fierce fighting between the sides,” Mr. Ibrahim.
Mr. Ibrahim confirmed the death of three Al-Shabaab and six local clan militiamen.
“For now we heard the death of nine people including six local fighters and three Al-Shabaab. The fighting is still ongoing in remote areas near Jilib town,” he noted.
The official called on the federal government and Jubbaland state to help the locals fight Al-Shabaab fighters in the region.
The development comes on the heel of African Union’s call to accelerate the fight on Al-Shabaab.
Commander of African Union Mission, Lt. Gen. Jim Owoyesigire has called on battlefield commanders of both SNA and AMISOM to accelerate the fight to annihilate Al-Shabaab.
Al-Shabaab controls a large swath of Middle region where the group has the highest number of its training bases.
Over 21,000 soldiers contributed by Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti, Burundi and Ethiopia back Somali national army.
Somali forces supported by troops African Union Mission have intensified offensives against Al-Shabaab in several areas in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions.
The mandate of AMISOM was in July extended by the United Nations Security Council resolution 2434 underscoring a gradual and conditional withdraw of boots by 2020.
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