Somali government forces take strategic island from Al Shabaab

Somali government forces in Juba regional state backed by AMISOM troops have taken control of a strategic island near port city of Kismayo.

Kuda Island was held by Al Shabaab and several efforts by Somali forces was previously repulsed by the group.

Eyewitness said Kenyan warplanes have bombed the island before ground troops move in to reclaim.

The island is 130 kilometers to the east of the port city of Kismayo which was in itself hub for Al Shabaab before pushed by Kenyan troops few years ago.

Analyst have told Radio Dalsan that the loss of Kuda Island will be a big blow to group which is fighting to topple internationally backed government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.