Somalia: AMISOM Captures More Ground Beyond Mogadishu

By Staff Writer

MOGADISHU---AU forces this morning executed a successful operation against Al Qaeda terrorists on the outskirts of Mogadishu, capturing two sites of tactical importance.

In an advance that begun at approximately 5 am, AMISOM’s Burundian Contingent took Al Janal hill, which oversees the southern approaches to the Mogadishu International Airport as well as the Masla building which sits on the road to Afgoye, a terrorist stronghold.

Acting Force Commander, Brigadier General Audace Nduwumunsi said the move was part of AMISOM’s efforts to secure the Somali capital and degrade the terrorists’ ability to infiltrate it and mount attacks on the populace. “AMISOM is not resting on the laurels of its recent successes. Operations are ongoing to expand the zone of security in Mogadishu,” he said.

In August last year, AMISOM aided the forces of the Transitional Federal Government in pushing the terror group, al Shabaab –which has now merged with Al Qaeda – to flee from its bases in the city. Since then, much progress has been made in beginning to rebuild the Somali state. In September, Somali leaders from all major factions met in Mogadishu to adopt a Political Roadmap to restoring permanent government in August 2012. In January, the first national constitutional conference was held in the city of Garowe which adopted principles governing the drafting of a new constitution and reforming the parliament. A follow up conference is due to start later this week.