Somalia: TFG/AMISOM Commence Operations to Secure Final Sector of Mogadishu

By Staff Writer

MOGADISHU----Ten 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.”