Hodan District (South of Industrial Road) was secured following operations by the Burundi contingent to clear insurgents to the East of Terebunka Road two days ago.

Now today, with offensive operations switching to the Uganda contingent in the East of the City, the combined Government and African Union troops have secured the District of Bondere, and in doing so have now pushed the Al Qaeda linked insurgents over a kilometre from Villa Somalia, the seat of Government in the City.

Extremists have now been cleared from major landmarks and buildings such as the Former Ministry of Interior, the Italian and Syrian Embassies, Bondere District Headquarters, Monopolyo Junction, and the Somaliweyne Radio station.

The body of a suspected Pakistani foreign fighter has been recovered.  Extremists are now attempting to re-group in the neighbouring district of Shibis and to the North of the Wadnaha Road from where counter attacks are anticipated.

Ugandan Contingent Commander, Colonel Paul Lokech, said:

“AMISOM continue to support the TFG forces in taking the offensive to the extremists.  We are taking new ground and expanding the secure area in the city every day now.  AMISOM and TFG forces are now working exceptionally well together and I am very pleased with the way operations are proceeding.

“Taking Bondere District has highly symbolic impact, as the extremists no longer pose a direct threat to Villa Somalia and the heart of government.”

The Government now has eight districts under control: Dharkenley, Wadajir, Hodan, Waberi, Hamar Weyne, Hamar Jabjab, Shangaani and Bondere.

The Districts of Wardigley and Hawl Wadag, encompassing Bakara Market, are now also very close to being taken.

The extremists continue to control Daynille, Kaaraan, Yaqshid and Heliwa.  Whilst Shibis and Abdulaziz remain highly contested.

ENDS