Addis Ababa, 4 October 2014 (WIC) –The Somalia National Army (SNA) supported by AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) peacekeepers have liberated the coastal town of Adale in the Middle Shebelle region.
In a press release AMISOM sent to WIC, this is the latest in a string of victories by SNA and AMISOM joint forces in the ongoing Operation Indian Ocean that started in mid-August. The operation – which is aimed at freeing more of Somalia’s coastal towns from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab – has successfully increased the Somali government’s area of responsibility and control.
Adale is an important trading and fishing town in the Middle Shabelle region and is located about 220 kilometers northeast of the capital Mogadishu.
“The town of Adale is a coastal town and the most strategic during the extremists’ time. It used to be a supply hub and they used to harass the locals especially those who reside in Middle Shabele and Banadir regions,” said Omar Muhammed Mohamoud, the Member of Parliament for Middle Shabelle.
The commander of AMISOM’s Burundi contingent, Col. Reverien Ndayambaje also emphasised the strategic importance of capturing the seaside town.
“Adale is important because it’s a seaport which the government can use to generate revenue for the development of this country’s economy. The country can now rebuild its hospitals, schools and roads. Previously, Al-Shabaab was using the sea port as a gateway for foreign fighters to enter the country,” he added.
Adale is now the sixth major town that has been liberated under Operation Indian Ocean.