Early morning fighting began as African Union and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces launched fresh attacks against al-Shabaab insurgents in northern parts of Mogadishu. The TFG was quick to claim victory and estimated that they control 80% of Mogadishu, in an annoucement by General Abdulkarin Yusuf Dhagabadan, the head of Somali military forces.
The latest violence began after government soldiers along with the AU peacekeeping launched fresh attacks to the north of Mogadishu in Boon-dhere and Shagani districts. Al-Shabaab has lost an important junction and stronghold after government troops and AU force seized two strategic junctions in the Siinay Village, Wardhiigley district and Afarta Jardiino in Yaqshid district, in the northeastern parts of Mogadishu.
Artillery and mortar fire was exchanged hitting public buildings and setting some on fire. At least 10 people have been killed in the fighting and dozens have been wounded. Scores of mortars hit in the Hamar-Jajab district an area controlled by the government. The mortars killed 5 people and wounded 6 others, according to a resident Mohamed Hashi Farah.
"We are trying to give treatment for almost 20 people who are mostly civilians and injured by the stray bullets from the latest clashes in the capital", officials at the Medina Hospital told Somalia Report.
A resident who spoke to Somalia Report in the Yaqshid district, the southern part of Mogadishu and an area controlled by al-Shabaab, said he had seen a several al-Shabaab fighters injured or killed in the Dayniile Hospital, a clinic used by the Islamist insurgents.
Foreign Fighter
Al-Shabaab is well known for recruiting foreign fighters, one of whom was killed in today's fighting in Mogadishu. The body was displayed by the TFG amid heavy shelling and stray bullets.
The body and today's fighting made clear that al-shabaab power is Mogadishu is diminishing and most of their strongholds in the city have been seized by TFG and AMISOM forces.
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General Abdulkarin Yusuf posing with Burundi and Ugandan allied soldiers
Pictures of dead pakistani foreign fighter
