Qalin News
Mogadishu - African Union forces in Somalia AMISOM thwarted an attack by Alshabab militants on the main road between to Ballidogle along the road connecting Mogadishu to Baidoa, AMISOM confirmed the attack.
Alshabab fighters ambushed an AMISOM convoy passing Berweyn area between Yaqbariweyne and Ballidogle in a bid to disrubt AMISOM's movement of the main road between AMISOM's Sector one, Mogadishu and sector 3, Baidoa.
In a press statement, AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti said, "The ambush was targeted at disrupting the reconstruction and repairs of this main road by AMISOM. The reconstruction of this road is improving a key trade route benefitting the local economy as well as increasing the ease and safety in which Somali people can travel between these major towns".
"The linkage of Mogadishu to Baidoa has enabled free movement between these two key cities and opens up the interior for stabilization work to be conducted by the African Union Mission in Somalia in support of the government" he added.
AMISOM force commander promised that joint Somali National Security forces and AMISOM would continue to carry out stability operations in liberated areas to clear them of threats to the local population and facilitate a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts.
Alshabab claimed the responsibility of the attack, which they said "Two AMISOM armoured vehicles were destroyed"
There is no independent source confirming Alshabab's claimed, and AMISOM didn't mention the existance of Alshabab's claims.
Read the Press statement under here
PRESS RELEASE
(For immediate release)
AU peacekeepers foil Al–Shabaab attack
Ballidogle– May 31st, 2013; African Union troops this morning thwarted an attack by insurgents on the main road between Ballidogle and Berweyn along the Mogadishu — Baidoa road. The ambush was targeted at disrupting the reconstruction and repairs of this main road by AMISOM. The reconstruction of this road is improving a key trade route benefitting the local economy as well as increasing the ease and safety in which Somali people can travel between these major towns.
During the morning’s operation, several Al–Shabaab militants were wounded and captured, with allied forces recovering a range of explosives, weapons and ammunition, helping to prevent future attacks.
AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti said AMISOM, in support of Somali National Security Forces, would continue to carry out stability operations in liberated areas to clear them of threats to the local population and facilitate a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts.
The linkage of Mogadishu to Baidoa has enabled free movement between these two key cities and opens up the interior for stabilization work to be conducted by the African Union Mission in Somalia in support of the government.
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Public Information Unit
African Union Mission for Somalia (AMISOM)
P.O. Box 20182 - 00200,
Nairobi,KENYA
Telephone : +254 20 7216227
Fax :+254 20 2713766
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AMISOM Forces foil Alshabab attack
Qalin News Mogadishu - African Union forces in Somalia AMISOM thwarted an attack by Alshabab militants on the main road between to Ballidogle along the road connecting Mogadishu to Baidoa, AMISOM confirmed the attack.