The Southern and Western edges of Mogadishu’s famous Bakara Market are now
under control of government troops, as they seek to push the extremists out
of their longstanding stronghold.
Al Shabaab casualties are estimated to be around 22 dead and 40 injured.
AMISOM has suffered two fatalities and five injured.
The Force Commander, Major General Nathan Mugisha, visited the scene of
operations even as counter attacks were being withstood, and visited
Mogadishu’s famous Red Mosque as Al Sunna Waj Jama soldiers, loyal to the
TFG, celebrated the recovery of their most important historic spiritual
centre, located on the Wadnaha Road.
The local commander of TFG forces told the Force Commander, “This mosque is
where my Grandfather is buried. This is where Al Shabaab desecrated the
grave of our prominent teacher, Sheik Biyamalo. This is a very important
day for us and for Mogadishu.”
The Force Commander said, “We have taken the offensive to the extremists and
driven them back. I am very pleased with the progress that our forces have
made working together. The impending removal of the insurgents from Bakara
is our main goal, as we place more and more of the city under Government
control".
“We must reiterate our appeal to the business community. We appreciate that
these are difficult times, and we urge the public to minimise movement in
and around Bakara until the security operations are complete. We urge the
business community to help us push the insurgents out of Bakara."
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