Government forces launch operation in Lower Shabelle region to clear roadblocks

Somali government forces have launched security operation in several areas of Lower Shabelle region.

The operation was aimed at clearing and opening the main road linking Afgooye town to Mareeray town of lower Shabelle region where gunmen mounted roadblocks.

Motorists who travel on the highway have severally complained from extortion by militias who man those illegal roadblocks.

The drivers of some of the passenger vehicles have once held demonstrations after they realised that they could not afford the levies to those militias as they were too much.

There have been attacks on public transport and army installations in most of this part of the region and the security forces have been trying to address.

Roadblocks interrupt people’s daily lives because the armed men at the checkpoints demand a lot of money which the drivers cannot afford to pay.

Armed men with SNA uniform set up roadblocks to embezzle cash from drivers who constantly use the busy main highway connecting the Lower Shabelle region.

According to local sources, more than 10 roadblocks have been setup between two towns in the Lower Shabelle region.

The federal government carried out several operations to remove the illegal roadblocks set by the men dressed in military uniform but no change was so far felt according the owners and the drivers