Somali and AU forces to launch joint offensive in Middle Jubba
A joint offensive between Jubbaland, Somali National Army and African Union forces to flush out Al-Shabaab militants in Middle Jubba region will kick off soon, the AU Mission has said.
In a statement Monday, AMISOM said the allied forces had been engaging on a joint mission in line with the newly adopted Concept of Operations which guides AMISOM operations during the 2018-2021 period.
Following a meeting with Jubbaland State Deputy President, Mohamud Sayid Aden, AMISOM Deputy Force Commander Major Gen. Charles Gituai said the talks explored a collaborative approach on joint missions.
“We met the (Deputy) President of Jubbaland and held discussions on how to implement the Concept of Operations, which was approved by the African Union in Addis Ababa on 30th November this year,” explained Maj. General Gituai.
“We also discussed the issue of joint military operations; how best we can work together with Jubbaland State Forces and Somali National Army, in conducting targeted operations,” he revealed.
Mohamud Sayid Aden, the Jubbaland Deputy President said preparations for the joint military operations were at an advance stage.
“The objective of this visit is to coordinate AMISOM troops operations in Jubbaland with Jubbaland State Forces and the Somali National Army, to be able to conduct joint military operations,” Mr. Sayid said.
He stated that Jubbaland administration and its partners were working on an elaborate plan to liberate Middle Jubba region from Al-Shabaab control.
Middle Jubba is believed to be one of the last hideouts of Al-Shabaab militants, who have been driven out from most parts of the country. The militants have resorted to waging asymmetric war tactics to stay relevant.