Nairobi, Kenya - Somali government forces, backed by the Africa Union troops in Mogadishu (AMISOM), have advanced in a rapid offensive to secure more ground from Al Shabab militants in an operation that killed 22 militants and two AMISOM troops. The operation targeted the Wadnaha Road (National Street), the southern boundary of Bakara Market, after two days of extensive joint operations, an AMISOM statement said. “The Southern and Western edges of Mogadishu’s famous Bakara Market are now under control of government troops, as they seek to push the extremists out of their longstanding stronghold,” the AU force added.
Al Shabaab casualties are estimated to be around 22 dead and 40 injured. AMISOM suffered two fatalities and five injured.AMISOM Force Commander, Major General Nathan Mugisha, visited the scene of operations even as counter attacks were being withstood, and visited Mogadishu’s famous Red Mosque as Al Sunna Waj Jama soldiers, loyal to the TFG, celebrated the recovery of their most important historic spiritual centre.The local commander of TFG forces told the Force Commander, “This mosque is where my Grandfather is buried. This is where Al Shabaab desecrated the grave of our prominent teacher, Sheik Biyamalo. This is a very important day for us and for Mogadishu.”
The Force Commander said, “We have taken the offensive to the extremists and driven them back. I am very pleased with the progress that our forces have made working together.
“The impending removal of the insurgents from Bakara is our main goal, as we place more and more of the city under government control,” the Ugandan military officer said.“We must reiterate our appeal to the business community. We appreciate that these are difficult times, and we urge the public to minimise movement in and around Bakara until the security operations are complete. We urge the business community to help us push the insurgents out of Bakara.'
Pana 24/05/2011
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