AMISOM-TFG-Police Conduct Security Operations to Ensure Capital is Safe
Somali military forces are conducting house-to-house searches throughout areas of Mogadishu recently abandoned by al-Shabaab militants in order to ensure the safety of returning residents.
The African Union peacekeeping forces, known as AMISOM, and Somali troops are advancing into the northern villages, particularly Yaqshid and Wardhiigley districts and areas surrounding Stadium Mogadishu, a former stronghold of al-Shabaab.
“The aim of the operation is to verify stability in the capital before the residents come back to villages like Wardhiigley and Yaqshid," said the deputy commander of the Somali National, Army Abdikarin Yusuf Aden (Dega-badan).
Residents living in Karan, Hodan, and Howl-wadag told Somalia Report that the ongoing searches are also taking place in their villages which impacts when they can return.
“Several of my relatives who live in Elasha Biyaha phoned me and said they need to see their homes after four years, but I told them that the government is still conducting operations in Wardhiigley district," said resident Sa’diyo Darman.
Hundreds of government soldiers are walking side-by-side in the streets of Yaqshid, Karan and Hodan among homes that have been badly destroyed by fighting. The troops have also established checkpoints inside the village and have been inspecting people one-by-one.
A Somali government security source who spoke to Somalia Report on condition of anonymity said, "It is busy time for all Somali forces as well as the AU peacekeeping soldiers in the capital to handle the law and order. It will take time to restore security after years of violence."
Police Commander Colonel Ali Hersi told Somalia Report that the police force are monitoring families returning into the government controlled territories and checking each civilian home before families can resettle.
“The police need to register each family as they return home," said Ali Hersi.
Arrests
A Somali police officer, who asked not to be named, said the police detained two boys with a video camera as they were trying to photograph government soldiers inside Bakara Market on Wednesday.
“They were not journalists and had no permission for the shots. They were on the floor in one of the buildings inside the market," said the officer.
Residents nearby the Karan’s police station said that government soldiers who reached the area yesterday had arrested more than 15 people, mainly youths who were guarding specific civilian buildings and homes in the district.
“We do not know why the troops immediately arrested these youths. One of them was guarding my home in Karan district. My family is one many who fled Elasha Biyaha years ago," businessman Abdale Haji told Somalia Report.
Colonel Hersi asked residents to be more patient for the ongoing speedy trends.
“Everyone arrested will be released soon if he or she is not guilty,” explained the commander.
Many residents worry that government troops will loot their homes and businesses, as has happened in recent days.
Mini-buses in Demand
Scores of mini-buses could be seen at the Hamar-Weyne and KM4 bus stops taking passengers from the government controlled areas into districts abandoned by the militias.
“The bus fee is very expensive today because the bus drivers are taking advantage of the current situation. They understand that we need to get to our villages in Yaqshid and Karan as well as Wardhiigley. We want to see our homes," passenger Asho Mohamed told Somalia Report.
Bus driver Moktar Gelle said each passenger must pay 50 thousand Somali Shillings, which is equivalent to $2 USD.
“The price is only for Karan and Hamar-Weyne,” said Gelle.
