Somali government forces with the support of AMISOM troops have captured the towns of Dardan and Jirada-Kullow in Bay region in simultaneous dawn operations.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamet Saleh Annadif, said the latest operations would help alleviate the suffering of the Somali population.

He said AMISOM would continue to confront the enemies of peace and to support the people of Somalia as it moved to consolidate peace and stability in areas previously liberated from Al-Shabaab.

He also noted the engagement of AMISOM's civilian component in recovered districts as it worked with local leaders and administrations to discuss the activities that could be undertaken immediately to enhance security and protect the hard-won military gains.

The renewed offensive in Bay follows last week's recovery of the towns of Aw-dheegle, Jannale and Barrire in Lower Shabelle, and the Jowhar airfield in Middle Shabelle. The current offensive has been making considerable advances in the Lower Shebelle and in Bay where government and AMISOM forces are currently advancing to secure other towns along the Afgooye-Baidoa corridor.