In operations lasting 48hrs, combined TFG and AMISOM forces have pushed forward and taken the remaining Al Shabaab strongholds in the far North East of Mogadishu.

AMISOM can confirm that the former Pasta Factory and critical junction, Ex Control Bal'ad, are now in Government hands.In effect, operations will now focus on the environs of the city and policing within the liberated areas'.

AMISOM Spokesman, Lt Colonel Paddy Ankunda, said:

"Our joint operations have gone extremely well today and over the weekend.  Casualties have been thankfully very low on our side, with just one killed and six minor injuries.  The outer North and Eastern fringes of the city must still be cleared, but key ground and buildings are no longer under the control of the extremists. 

"It has been a big achievement to remove Al Shabaab from the city, and put an end to the fighting that disrupted so many lives.  But the challenge is now to protect civilians from the sort of terror attack we saw last week, as they attempt to rebuild their lives.  This is a very different challenge and one that requires all of us to work together with the Government, to be vigilant and to reject criminal and lawless behaviour wherever we find it."

TFG / AMISOM COMMENCE OPERATIONS TO SECURE FINAL SECTOR OF MOGADISHU

10 civilian deaths from continued Al Shabaab mortaring in Heliwa and Karaan Districts last week have prompted the Somali National Army, supported by AMISOM, to undertake operations in the North of the Mogadishu.

Operations are aimed at securing the former Arafat Hospital and the Pasta Factory on the Industrial Road, and driving the Al Qaeda linked extremists out of the city.

AMISOM Force Commander, Major General Fred Mugisha said:

“A small number of Al Shabaab remain a lethal threat in the North of the Mogadishu.  They continue to shell civilian targets and with 10 civilian deaths in one week, we must act immediately to remove this threat.

“We are carrying out operations around the former Arafat Hospital and the Pasta Factory on the Industrial Road.  We hope they will be quickly effective and we ask any civilians in the area to limit their movement during the next few hours.

“Al Shabaab will be judged harshly for the lives they take and the atrocities they commit.  We need the support of all peace loving Somalis to help us restore peace and stability to the city.  We urge the civilian population to support their government and isolate and reject criminals.  That way we can start to provide effective security together.”

ENDS

Paddy Ankunda

Lt Colonel
AMISOM Force Spokesman

Tel: Somalia: (+252) 699 758567
                      (+252) 618 508181
                      (+252) 623 80889

Tel: East Africa: (+256) 772696070
                          (+256) 713914411

Email: [email protected] 
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