The Somali militia controlling the southern port of Kismayu have been defeated but are still a regional threat, according to a report from Reuters . The majority of al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group was forced out by African Union and Somali troops on Friday, but elements were still attacking people as recently as Tuesday.
Even with the victory over the final major stronghold for the group, the group has not been entirely defeated and could continue to act as a destabilizing force in the country and the region.
Here's a look at the latest information regarding the conflict in Somalia.
* AU and Somali troops used the opportunity to search for hidden bombs on Wednesday.
* A grenade thrown at a boarding school wounded six orphans on Tuesday.
* A Kenyan army spokesman told Reuters that there were reports of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in the seaport currently under control of the Somali government and their allies.
* The Associated Press noted on Tuesday that Kenyan troops had declared that they had full control over Kismayo.
* Seven civilians had been murdered in southern Kismayo by remnants of al-Shabab for not supporting them.
* There were conflicting reports of planted bombs being set at administrative buildings, the airport, and against troops. Authorities have said they have been detonated by bomb experts or have exploded prematurely, but al-Shabab claimed they successfully killed many troops who attempted to enter an administrative building.
* Reuters reported the bombing as well, and al-Shabab's spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab told the news organization that "this is only an introduction to the forthcoming explosions." However, the government said there were no casualties.
* Violence continues across the country despite an effort to end long-term lawlessness. On Sept. 27, two journalists were killed in Mogadishu within 24 hours by attackers, according to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
* Abdirahman Mohamed, 26, was abducted during a visit to a relative's home and was found decapitated on Sept. 27. Mohamed was a reporter for the sports news website Ciyaarahamaanta. It isn't known why he was killed and no one took responsibility for the killing.
* Ahmed Abdulahi, a reporter on his way to work, was killed when a militia group argued with his bus driver and opened fire. Adbulahi was a reporter for the Yemeni news agency SABA.
Shawn Humphrey is a former contributor to The Flint Journal and an amateur Africanist, focusing his personal studies on human rights and political issues on the continent.
