Heavy fighting broke out on Thursday in the Somali capital Mogadishu, after government forces backed by African Union troops launched an assault against strongholds of Alshabab insurgents.
The fighting which started in the early hours of the day, spread to several fronts among them Bakara market and the Northern districts of the City.
Gen Abdullahi Ali Aanood, one of the TFG military officers told state owned Radio Mogadishu that the TFG and AMISOM forces made a considerable gain in today’s fight.
“The fighting started at 5:30 AM (local time) under the Presidents order, we will continue until we secure the whole Mogadishu from the militants,” said Gen Aanood.
He added that TFG forces are close to taking the control of Bakara market which is believed to be a stronghold for Alshabab militants.
In the offensive, the government took control of parts of Hamr bile area, Junction 30, Towfiq, Suq ba’ad and other areas in the early Thursday attack. Military officials in Mogadishu said they are intending to seize control of all most all districts in Mogadishu, which are currently under Al-Shabaab militia.
African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) tanks are seen taking part in the assault according to eye witnesses in the district of Abdi-Aziz, North Mogadishu.
Reports say that AMISOM unknowingly shelled TFG military base in Mogadishu and at least 15 soldiers were killed in the shelling.
Somalia is battling its worst drought in 60 years, sending tens of thousands walking for days into both Kenya and Ethiopia in search of food and water. Tweet
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