Today afternoon, an improvised explosive device that was intended to kill civilians was removed by AMISOM forces from thevillageofT-danorth west ofMogadishu. As the bomb was being removed to be safely diffused, it was detonated by the Al Qaeda-backed extremists, theAl Shabab, killing one AMISOM soldier from theBurundicontingent. Another injured in the process.

Commenting on the attack, the AMISOM Force Commander, Maj Gen Fred Mugisha, said that such acts will not deter AMISOM’s plans to liberate the entire country

“We will continue to fight these extremists who are interested in reaping violence on the innocent civilians. We have the people ofSomaliaon our side on whose information we have been to diffuse up to 70% of planted explosives. I encourage all peace loving Somalis to be on the alert and report suspicious activity or objects identified in their areas”.

“AMISOM offers its heartfelt condolences to the family of theBurundisoldier who was killed today.His contribution to a peacefulSomaliawill neverbe forgotten”.

After they were forced to flee from their stronghold inMogadishuin Aug 2011, the Al Qaeada backed extremists have resorted to attacking civilians using Improvised Explosive Devices. In October 2011, the extremists killed 40 students at the Ministry of Education headquarters who were registering for a Turkish scholarship program. AMISOM will continue to work with the people to eliminate the enemies of peace fromSomalia.

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Paddy Ankunda

Lt Colonel