AU tank near Pasta Factory on Monday
Al-Shabaab fighters are leaving Suqa-Holaha, heading for Elasha Biyaha on the outskirts of Mogadishu, after an African Union and TFG operation aimed at securing the whole capital got underway.
Al-Shabaab quit the majority of Mogadishu a few months ago, but left fighters behind in certain areas, leading to sporadic clashes. The AU and TFG on Saturday began a push to wipe out these remnants.
Announcing the latest phase of the new offensive on Monday morning, AMISOM Force Commander Major General Fred Mugisha said: “A small number of al-Shabaab remain a lethal threat in the north of the Mogadishu. They continue to shell civilian targets and with 10 civilian deaths in one week, we must act immediately to remove this threat.”
“We are carrying out operations around the former Arafat Hospital and the Pasta Factory on the Industrial Road,” he added. “We hope they will be quickly effective and we ask any civilians in the area to limit their movement during the next few hours.”
Residents in Suqa Holaha told Somalia Report that some al-Shabaab forces used civilian vehicles to depart the area as pro-government forces closed in. The advancing soldiers shelled al-Shabaab positions as they closed in, residents said.
Parts of Huriwa, including the key junction of ex-control Bal’ad, Hayle Barise factory, parts of Wahara-Adde Village, Huriwa police station and areas near the SOS clinic are all under control of the TFG, residents told Somalia Report. The Pasta Factory was also taken.
Nine people, including four civilians, were killed in the early clashes, while Ankunda told Somalia Report the advance would continue into Daynile, one of the areas still controlled by al-Shabaab.
The Al-Shabaab training camp of Mas’laha was also bombed badly today by the AU and Somali troops. More than 10 fighters loyal to al-Shabaab were confirmed to be dead and others injured, Ahmed Ali, a Suqa Holaha resident, told Somalia Report.
“People are afraid to be here though many of them have already fled the area to the government-controlled parts of the capital,” said Ahmed.
