AMISOM Talks About Suicide Attacks On Mogadishu Seaport

Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)

10 June 2011

Mogadishu — Three AMISOM soldiers were injured after al Shabaab launched terrorist attacks on Mogadishu port, AU forces said on Thursday.

A statement issued on Friday Thursday night by African Union mission [AMISOM] in Mogadishu said that several insurgents carrying pistols, two of whom were wearing suicide vests, infiltrated the area and directed an attack against the business community trading through the port.

They failed to get very far into the port and after an exchange of fire with AMISOM soldiers, two bombers were put out of action, according to the statement.

“This is a callous attack on the civilian population designed to frighten them and disrupt the flow of trade. Al Shabaab now their time in Bakara is coming to an end and they are trying to bring trade to its knees as they go.” AMISOM Spokesman, Major Paddy Ankunda said.

The attack came as thousands of Mogadishu residents were demonstrating in the streets to defy the prime minister’s proposed resignation which came out on Thursday from Ugandan capital where the transitional government leaders were meeting these days.

“AMISOM will not be intimidated and will continue to provide the best security we can. The people of Mogadishu can be reassured that we will keep the port open and businesses trading wherever possible.” The statement of AMISOM added.

Ali Mohamoud Rage, the spoke man of al Shabaab extremist group has claimed the responsibility of the suicide attacks, vowing they will step up such attacks against AU forces and Somalia’s internationally recognized government.

The terrorist attacks come as thousands of people held large rallies in Mogadishu to show support to Mohammed Abdullahi Mohammed, the prime minister of Somali interim federal government just hours after emerging reports suggesting the premier will quit office in the days to come.

According to the accord, the current prime minister should quit the job with 30 days and that prompted those unprecedented rallies for years.

Nonetheless, on May 30, two African Union peacekeepers and a Somali government soldier have been killed and four others injured after an Al Qaeda-inspired group attacked a military base in the capital Mogadishu.

The suicide attacks come as the Somali army backed by African Union forces inflicted a major blow on the radical group after fierce battles in the capital.

Somali forces now are at the vicinities of Bakaara, Mogadishu’s largest and busiest market that the government believes to be a crucial economic source for the militant group.

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