36 Al-Shabaab killed in AMISOM operation

By Vision Reporter

MOGADISHU – AMISOM forces, together with TFG soldiers captured Miido town in an operation that killed 36 Al‐Qaeda-linked Al‐Shabaab militants on Friday.

During the operation, seven Al‐Shabaab vehicles and logistic supplies were destroyed while other assorted weapons and ammunition were recovered.

 Miido is situated 16 kilometres south of Afmadow, which was secured by AMISOM troops in July.

According to a release from AMISOM, five peace keepers are missing while three others sustained injuries and have been flown to Dobley for medical attention.

AMISOM Force Commander Lt Gen Andrew Gutti called the operation a brave one and expressed its importance to the people living around Miido.

“This was a brave and important operation conducted by the AMISOM forces in lower Juba. Securing the strategic town of Miido will allow local community to rebuild their lives free from the terror and tyranny imposed by Al‐Shabaab,” he said.

“AMISOM is committed to protecting hard won security gains to ensure Somalia continues on the road to a sustainable peace.”

Gutti also dismissed as “untrue and baseless propaganda” Al-Shabaab claims suggesting that Afmadow town is not secure.

According to the army general, Afmadow remains in the full control and security of AMISOM troops.

He said Al-Shabaab is trying to misrepresent the reality on the ground with the reports.

“AMISOM troops are providing security and stability to allow the local population to carry on with their normal lives, free from the fear, intimidation and violence propagated by Al-Shabaab.”

AMISOM troops have been providing security and stability to the local people of Afmadow since securing the town over two months ago.

Its operations in Afmadow have been led by the Kenyan contingent, which officially became part of AMISOM in February this year.