Al Shabaab – We Don’t Have Any Military Base in Mogadishu’s Main Mar

Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)

22 May 2011

Mogadishu — An Al shabaab official on Sunday denied that they have military bases in Bakaara, Mogadishu biggest and busiest market.

Speaking to the local media, Sheikh Ali Mohamoud Rage, the speaker of Al shabaab fighters said that Somali government’s aim is to loot and rob the properties of Somali businessmen in Bakaara market.

Rage noted that their primary goal is to defend the region of Islam and muslims around Somalia.

Earlier, Major Paddy Ankunda, the spokesman of AMISOM forces said Bakaara is stronghold of Al shabaab.

‘AMISOM has designated Bakara market a ‘no fire zone’ and does not fire artillery or mortars into the market. We know that the extremists, who extort money from the businesses, have established a stronghold in the market and deliberately shield their reign of terror behind the civilians and business community who make their living there,’ AMISOM Force Spokesman, Major Paddy Ankunda said.

Ankunda said the AU peacekeeping mission will conduct operations in support of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), to free Mogadishu from the stranglehold and tyranny of the insurgents and these operations are aimed at stopping such attacks on civilians, not just in Bakara market, but also in the surrounding districts of Hodan, Hawlwadag, Wardigley, Bondere and Medina.

‘We reassure all civilians and the business community that plans to flush extremists out of the market will be conducted with the greatest care to ensure minimal harm and damage,’ he said.

According to Ankunda, AMISOM understands the importance of markets to the city and to the people and has proved constantly that it is business friendly.

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