Somali forces and AMISOM close in on Al-Shabaab controlled town of Bar-Dhere

Somali National Army forces backed by AMISOM troops are heading to Bar-Dhere town, a stronghold of Al-Shabaab in Gedo region in what could be preparation for a major offensive, Goobjoog News has learnt.

Eyewitnesses told Goobjoog News on Monday that military exercises and reinforcements have been upped in areas near Bar-dhere town which is currently under full control of Al-Shabaab.

Reports also say the Somali National Army commanders are deploying more troops and supplies near Bar-dhere town as the joint force mission hinge on capturing the town. Locals in the town say that many residents in the neighbouring town of Garbaharay have started evacuating the town for fear of imminent fighting between the allied forces  and Al-Shabaab fighters who are controlling the town.

Al-Shabaab controls large swathes of Middle and Lower Jubba regions despite heavy operations jointly launched by government forces and AMISOM troops. The joint operations have in the recent past led to the recapture of key towns and former major Al-Shabaab strongholds including the port town of Barawe which fell to government forces during the Indian Ocean Operation last year.