MOGADISHU, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Somali and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops have stepped up joint patrols to clear improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and open main supply routes to facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid to the populations.
The African Union (AU) mission said on Friday that the joint operations by the Burundian troops serving under ATMIS and the Somali security forces have dismantled al-Shabaab strongholds and illegal checkpoints in central and southern Somalia.
"ATMIS Burundi troops have successfully conducted a reconnaissance patrol along the main supply route connecting Jowhar Air Field to Jowhar town. The operation was to ensure safe movement of goods and services on the busy road," ATMIS said in a statement issued in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.
"The joint force dismantled illegal checkpoints set up by the (al-Shabaab) militants and also eliminated al-Shabaab cells planning attacks against government forces, ATMIS personnel, and civilians in the area," it said.
The allied forces have also conducted a security patrol to secure the main supply route in Bulo Marer, a town in the southwestern Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, to ensure the free movement of goods and services.
The joint troops have been opening main supply routes blocked by al-Shabaab insurgents and creating a free and secure environment for the Somali people to thrive.
Aid agencies have said the poor state of main supply routes in south-central and southern Somalia provided conditions for al-Shabaab to continue laying ambushes and use explosive devices against ATMIS convoys and Somali security forces. ■