Heavy clashes broke out in Lower Juba on Monday morning, July 3, between Al- Shabaab militants and government forces supported by the Jubaland regional army. The attack occurred during a joint operation by the Somali army in villages in the Doburi region.
According to the residents of the neighborhood, Al- Shabaab fighters gathered in the area during the clashes and attacked the army, causing casualties. However, authorities have not yet made a statement to the media. Eyewitnesses said that both sides used heavy artillery in the clashes.
The terrorist group has launched attacks on towns on the Somali- Kenya border in recent weeks, killing about 20 security personnel.
The Commander of the Kenya Defense Forces, Major General Francis Ogolla, arrived in Kismayo on Saturday to meet with Jubaland Region President Ahmed Madobe at the President’ s office. The two leaders discussed the security situation in the region and the final decision of the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
In other news, the Commander of the Somali National Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Sheikh Muaddin Addo, visited the army camps in Garrard and Erdair, which are located in Laguduud territory, on Friday.
The visit was his first since taking office last month. During his visit, the new President held a meeting with the Armed Forces to persuade the Somali soldiers at the front to continue fighting for the freedom of the country. President Mohamed added that the second phase of government work will begin in the coming weeks.
The American Office of Transitional Assistance in Somalia has reported that it has completed the first phase of troop reduction to provide full security to the national army and police.
by: mbevikasee