Somalia launches operation in Middle Shabelle against Al-Shabaab

The African Union peacekeeping force, along with the Somali amry, has launched a operation in Middle Shabelle region in Somalia, targeting major Al-Shabaab strongholds.

Abdullahi Yusuf, deputy mayor of the Middle Shabelle region, said late Sunday that the joint force aimed to rid the region of Al-Shabaab militants.

"Our forces will ramp up operations in the coming days to completely destroy Al-Shabaab. So far they have captured most of the major towns formally controlled by Al-Shabaab," said Yusuf.

The joint force on Saturday retook about four villages from Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle.

Al-Shabaab has lost many areas previously under its control, but the Islamist group is still struggling to stage attacks in Somalia. Endit