AMISOM troops in a joint military operation with the Somali National Army launched an offensive and liberated the strategic town of Bariire from the extremist group, Al-Shabaab.
The agricultural-rich Bariire, which lies about 63 kilometres west of Somali capital, Mogadishu, is one of the strategic areas located in Lower Shabelle region along River Shabelle.
The town was serving as a key transit point for Al-Shabaab extremists who frequently crossed over from Bay and Middle Jubba into Lower Shabelle to terrorise communities.
“The liberation of Bariire from the grip of the terrorists is another major milestone for the Somali National Army and AMISOM in our joint efforts to free the people of Somalia from the control of Al-Shabaab and restore lasting peace, stability and security in the country,” said Ambassador Francisco Madeira.
The liberation of Bariire comes exactly a month after AMISOM troops, in another joint operation with the Somali National Army, captured the bridge town of Sabiid and Anole, also located in Lower Shabelle region on April 1, 2019.
The military offensive to liberate Sabiid and Bariire is part of the implementation of the revised AMISOM Concept of Operations (CONOPS) 2018-2021 and the Somalia Transition Plan.
“The capture and holding of the two towns are concrete steps in the process of the gradual handover of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali Security Forces in accordance with the Transition Plan. I congratulate AMISOM and the Somali Security Forces for the bravery and professionalism with which they have discharged their duties in Sabiid and Bariire and their visible efforts to protect and safeguard civilians and their properties,” said Ambassador Madeira.
