Al-Shabaab abandon Mogadishu bases
Somalia government soldiers patrol on a pick-up truck outside the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu. The radical Islamist movement opposing the Somalia Transitional Federal Government al-Shabaab has abandoned its bases in Mogadishu August 6, 2011. FILE
The radical Islamist movement opposing the Somalia Transitional Federal Government al-Shabaab has abandoned its bases in the capital Mogadishu.
The new development emerged after clashes occurred on late Friday and early Saturday between the TFG forces in alliance with the combatants of Ahlu Sunna wal-Jamea, moderate Islamists.
The pro-government sides have been supported by peacekeepers serving the African Union Mission in Somalia, Amisom.
Somalia's President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed said his military had defeated the rebels battling to overthrow his government.
"The Somali government welcomes the success attained by the Somali government forces backed by Amisom (peacekeepers) who defeated the enemy of al Shabaab," the Reuters news agency quoted him as saying.
Positions lost by Al-Shabaab include its main base in the city, Mogadishu Stadium, and Warshadda Baastada (former Pasta Factory), a strategic location used by the fanatical Islamists to control the northern districts of the city.
Most of the confrontations took place at Bondhere, Howl-wadaag and Wardhigley districts.
“The clashes were very intense and all sorts of light and heavy weapons were employed,” a resident in Yakshid who requested anonymity told Nation.
“Before down, we saw many vehicles with all kinds of belonging heading towards the northern outskirts of Mogadishu,” added the resident.
Some of the last positions vacated include Tawfik and Huriwa districts and the strategic Suuqa Xoolaha, the main trading centre in Northern Mogadishu.
Most of the retreating Al-Shabaab fighters headed towards Lower Shabelle and Middle Shaballe regions, respectively south and north of Mogadishu.
Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Raghe alias Sheikh Ali Dhere, told Al-Shabaab supporters via Al-Andalus, a broadcaster run by the movement, that they are changing war tactics.
“We are going to operate from the upcountry regions, vowing to come back to wage more attacks on the TFG and on Amisom,” said Sheikh Ali Dhere.
He asserted that American and French fighters joined the latest wars against Al-Shabaab.
