After several clashes, the Army and the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) removed today the Al Shabab guerrilla from Tiyeglow, in Bakol region, in southwestern Somalia.
According to Bakol governor, Mohamed Abdi Toll, the situation in that district is calm at the moment, and authorities announced the liberation of the territory.
The taking of that district is part of operations of the Somali Army and Amisom to try control all the areas controlled by the guerrilla in the southern half of the country, spokesman for the Mission, Ali Hamud, told journalists, adding that protecting civilians is a priority of Amisom and government troops.
The spokesman also said that the campaign is expected to contribute to place under government control several districts now commanded by Al Shabab, which has been fighting since 2006 against the fragile Executive and its ally, the African Union troops.
Since 1991, when several guerrilla groups overthrew then President Mohamed Siad Barre, this country has been suffering a state of war involving militias, warlords and criminal gangs. (PL)