Somalia: AMISOM Goes on the Offensive

By Staff Writer

MOGADISHU—The Somalia Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops have since last week advanced on a number of fronts in an operation designed to push extremist insurgents further away from the populated areas of Mogadishu.

On Wednesday, TFG forces with the support of the AMISOM Burundi Contingent captured two important positions, the former Milk Factory and the extremists' logistical and operational base at the former Ministry of Defence building (Gashandiga) along Industrial Road in the northwest of the city.

Pockets of resistance have been met at the Damanyo Military Camp (Shirkole Officaile), which is close to Gashandiga.

A statement sent to newsrooms says AMISOM is fulfilling its mandate which, among others, provides for the stabilization of Somalia and creating an enabling environment for the TFG to re-establish control and provide security for the population. Last week’s operations were intended to disrupt and deny the extremist insurgents the space and means to harass and extort money from the population to fund their terrorism.

“AMISOM seeks to ensure that trade and normal life can go on in a safe and secure environment, just as we facilitate the free flow of goods at the Mogadishu Seaport and Aden Ade International Airport”, the statement said.

Operations to consolidate the important achievements of the week are ongoing.