EVENT SUMMARY
On July 19th 2015, The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) announced resumption of military operations in Somalia againist the Al-Qaeda branch in Somalia, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen terror movement.
The operations deposed the terror group from its headquaters forcing them to encroach Jilib, a city in Southern Somalia and make it their political and miliant headquaters.
ASSESSMENT
The AMISOM operations were to be carried out in conjunction with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) military, The Somali National Army (SNA).
In a press statement, AMISOM aanounced ‘Operation Juba Corridor’. The operation would target Al-Qaeda branch in Somalia, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen terror movement’s forward bases in strategic areas specifically Bakool, Bay, and Gedo regions.
Operation Juba Corridor sucessfully dislodged the terror group from Bardheere, a logistics and operations base and Dinsoor, their political and militancy headquaters.
Since the fall of Dinsoor, Jilib, in AMISOM Sector 2 has become the new headquaters of the Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen terror group.
Jilib is a commercial town on the main road from Mogadishu’s south to the port city of Kismayu with a population of about 45,000 The town is the most populous town in theMiddle Region of Southern Somalia.
The town once served as the headquaters of the Islamic Courts Union which gave birth to Al-Shabaab movement. Jilib allows the Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen terror movement’a clandestine route to the ocean. This is a strategy tha’ll allow them recieve new fighters through the sea besides contraband including arms.
Geographically Jilib is vast and agricultural. The terrain is plain allowing the fighters to form forward bases and outposts besides scouting positions across the plains. This gives them both cover and tactical advantage.
FORECAST
Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) serving under The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) operate in SECTOR 2 where Jilib town is located. The army has conducted aerial airstrikes in Jilib killing hundreds of militants.
KDF is more likely to continue commissioning more airstrikes against Al-Qaeda branch in Somalia, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen terror movement’s forward bases, assests, and outposts in Jilib with an obejective to destroy the militants defenses and capability to defend the town.
On the other hand, the Al-Qaeda branch in Somalia, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen terror movement will strengthen its defenses, digging in the town, and amass its core fighting units to consolidate recent micro-gains.
Finish them off… Nataka kutembelea a prosperous somali in the future….