Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces conducted a joint operation to clear the port city of Barawe and secure roads blockaded by al Shabaab in Lower Shabelle region, southern Somalia on February 18.
During intensified joint operation that began on February 12, SNA and AMISOM forces have recaptured several villages from al Shabaab in Lower Shabelle.
The operation has also seen 13 Al-Shaaab militants killed and assortment of weapons recovered.
Al-Shabaab usually installs road blocks on roads in the areas under their control to extort money and food supplies.
