Jowhar — The Somali federal government and AMISOM forces jointly conducted a door by door security operation in Middle Shabelle regional capital of Jowhar on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Jowhar residents said the allied forces travelled the city's villages in convoy with infantry divisions by asking questions to the nearby people.

"I saw soldiers with armoured personnel carriers who questioned young men and they arrested many people suspected of being Al Shabaab members," said an eyewitness whose house was inspected.

Residents added that the forces searched hidden IEDs, ammunitions and anti-vehicle mines during the operation.

Officers in charge of the security operation told the media that the aim of the military operation was to clear the city and the other regional districts from anti-peace elements and to ensure durable stability.

Jowhar is agriculture-rich district and former Al Shabaab stronghold. Somali government forces backed by AMISOM troops liberated it from Al Shabaab militants in December 2012 and the security operation comes after Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab fighters attacked Jowhar Airport which situates 10km away from the city on 22 July.