“This gives the Somali government full control over Terebunka road, a major city artery which leads north from the bustling K4 junction to Industrial road, as well as western access routes to the famous Bakara Market, the city’s commercial hub,” said Col. Innocent OULA, the AMISOM Chief of Staff. “The road will soon be reopened to civilian traffic once mopping up operations to ensure safety are complete,” he added.
In a series of operations carried out since late February, troops from AMISOM’s Burundi contingent have helped government troops push the insurgents out of all their positions along or near to Terebunka road, including their former logistical and operational headquarters at the Ministry of Defence Building at Gashandigga, the Milk Factory, and just last week, the African Village.
Coupled with last month’s taking of another major road, Wadnaha road, which runs east to west along the southern edge of the market, by the Uganda contingent, this now means that the two AMISOM contingents have linked up and are presenting a common front. It also ensures that civilian access to Bakara Market will significantly ease once the extremists within it are gone.
AMISOM and government forces are closing in from three directions on the strategic market, which the AU force has designated a no-fire zone for its artillery and mortar units, leaving an escape route to the north-east open to the militants.
ENDS