Security operations in Afgooye and Barawe towns net several people

At least 20 people linked to Al-Shabaab have been rounded up in separate security operations by Somali forces in Lower Shabelle region following hand grenade explosions on Sunday.

The army crackdowns took place in Marko, Barawe and Afgoye towns on Monday, after the Govt troops were targeted in grenade blasts by suspected Al-Shabaab assailants for the past couple of days.

According to Ali Noor who is the deputy governor of Lower Shabelle region, the police and army have jointly conducted the manhunt and will continue their routine operations to thwart impending Al-Shabaab attacks and insecurity acts.

The sweeps came after Al-Shabaab carried out bomb attacks against Somali troops and AMISOM in several towns in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia.