Gen. Ismail Saharadid, head of Somali forces in the Juba regions who spoke to Sunatimes said the security situation in Afmadow and surrounding areas was calm since yesterday.

Saharadid denied Al-Shabaab’s claim of taking over of Afmadow district in a recent declaration and revealed that government and allied troops are only 70KM to step foot on Kismayo soil.

Kismayo port city is currently under the control of Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda surrogate in Somalia.

Gen. Saharadid requested Kismayo residents to be patient till they reach the port city adding that they are fighting Shabaab militia mainly to liberate the local people.

The last few days there were looming clashes between Al-Shabaab and the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) alongside Somali National Forces.

AMISOM claimed to have killed 36 Al-Shabaab militants on Friday as the troops took over Miido town in a fierce exchange of fire that lasted several hours in Southern Somalia.