(Sh. M. Network)-Witnesses say Wednesday hundreds of Somali and Kenyan forces with tanks are massing in villages near the main port city of Kismayo controlled by Al shabab cut-thoats.Somali army officials in Lower Jubba region of southern Somalia said that their troops along with Kenyan army are making military plans for major offensives against the town ofKismayo, just 500 Km south of Mogadishu.
Kismayo, is the largest harbour town still under the cut-thoat group's control. Somali and AU forces are making significant military gains against the war on Al shabab, wresting control of many key areas and towns, mainlyMogadishu, the capital, Beledweyne, Baidoa, Afgoye, Afmadow and Merca, all south and central Somalia.
Local residents expressed concern
...meaning the brow was mildly wrinkled, the eyebrows drawn slightly together, and a thoughtful expression assumed, not that anything was actually done or indeed that any thought was actually expended...
over the ongoing military movements on the outskirts of Kismayo, saying it could result in many civilian casualties.
Keynan warships have in the past carried out several deadly shelling the coastal town, targeting Al shabab bases, with some civilian causality.
In June 9, 2012, Naval warships patrolling the coast of Kismayo have targeted cut-thoat camps and bases in the port city. According to Kenyan military front man Emanuel Chirchir.