Govt Forces, Al Shabaab Confront in Mogadishu

Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)

21 April 2011

Mogadishu — heavy gun battle and artillery barrages between Somali transitional federal government forces backed by African Union troops and Al shabaab have occurred on Thursday in parts of the Somali capital Mogadishu, officials said.

Most of the battles jolted the district of Bondhere in northern Mogadishu where both heavy light weapons were used by the two warring sides.

Locals said the combat which was very fierce commenced after Somali forces joined by AMISOM peacekeepers waged coordinated attacks on Al shabaab military bases in northern Benadir region.

Somali forces’ commander, Abdikarim Yusuf Adam better known as Dhaga-badan told Shabelle that his forces with the help of AMISOM have mugged the positions of Al shabaab in Bondhere.

Dhaga-badan added that they had the upper hand during in the battles, noting they captured new positions.

Al shabaab has not yet commented the fighting and government statement. It is still unclear the casualties the fighting has caused.

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