TFG Enlists Support of AMISOM to Contain Alshabaab Offensive

By Peter Omondi

The Somalia Transitional Federal Government (TFG) security forces have enlisted the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces to contain the latest Al-Shabaab offensive launched by the extremist group against the Soimali people on Monday.

In the last three days, reliable estimates account for more than 25 Al-shabaab militias dead, including Abdulahi Mortar, an extremist military and tactical leader who executed numerous mortar attacks on civilians in the city.

Over 70 Al-shabaab terrorists were wounded in yesterday's fighting alone.

However, fighting has also resulted in the regrettable death of an estimated 70 innocent civilians, and the wounding of around 200 others. Hospital procedures are coping well, as the wounded people continue to receive treatment.

Somalia’s  Minister of Information  Abdirahman Omar Osman said: "All our preparations mean that Al -Shabab are left with ever more desperate options. The city will remain on high alert. We know where they are targeting and we are doing everything we can, with outstanding support from AMISOM, to contain the threat. Without the necessary forces, Al -Shabab may still get through to murder innocent people, so we need the citizens of Mogadishu to remain vigilant”.

Somali President Sheikh Shariif Sheikh Ahmed offered a ceasefire to allow decent citizens to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan in peace, but the defiant terrorists have failed to respect this offer and are wholly responsible for the fighting around the city.  The minister said Al-Shabab are ruthless in their desire to terrorise the Somali people into submission.

"Their reign of terror doesn't stop at suicide bombings. Beheadings, amputations, stonings, forced recruitment of children, banning of music and football, grave desecrations and the repression of the media are the hallmarks of Al- Shabab. There is no popular support for them and so they turn to ever more desperate measures."