Somali and AU forces launch offensive against Islamist militants

Somali and African Union forces have launched a long-awaited fresh offensive against al-Shabaab Islamist militants. The al-Qaeda-linked group have lost a string of towns to the 22,000-strong AU mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the latest operation aims at capturing the remaining ports from the extremists, army and government officials said Saturday. Witnesses reported hearing the booms of heavy shelling, as well as seeing convoys of tanks and armoured vehicles heading towards the Shabaab stronghold of Bulomarer, some 160 kilometres southwest of the capital Mogadishu.

Operation Indian Ocean started late last night… the enemy is fleeing and the forces are making successful advances so far.

Abdukadir Mohamed Nur, the governor of southern Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region

AMISOM and Somali government troops were also seen on roads towards Barawe, the last major port held by the armed group. The southern port of Barawe is one of the few major settlements under Shabaab control, and is vital to their finances, as the main hub of a multi-million dollar charcoal trade. The Shabaab are fighting to topple Somalia’s internationally-backed government, and regularly launch attacks against state targets, as well as in neighbouring countries that contribute to the AU force.

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