Military analysts believe that Afmadow is a key step in Kenya's campaign against Al-Shabaab, the Islamic militant group they have been fighting since they entered Somalia in October of last year. The town would serve as a staging point for any move on Kismayo, Al-Shabaab's stronghold in southern Somalia.
MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/30/world/africa/kenya-somalia/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2
