Battle of Mogadishu (2010)
Encyclopedia
The Battle of Mogadishu (2010–2011) began on August 23, 2010 when al-Shabaab insurgents began attacking government and African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) positions in the Somali capital. Al-Shabaab began its offensive after its spokesman said the group was declaring a "massive war" on the AMISOM force, describing its 6,000 "peacekeepers" as "invaders". In December 2010 the number of AMISOM troops was increased to 8,000 and later to 9,000.
Kampala
, Uganda in revenge for the country's support of African Union
troops in Somalia.
The attacks took place as hundreds of additional Ugandan troops arrived in the country.
, a hotel known for hosting many Somali government officials and politicians, the hotel was located a kilometre away from the presidential palace Villa Somalia
. Thirty one people were reported killed in the hotel incident, including eleven lawmakers.
By August 26, one-hundred fifteen people had been killed and, two hundred had been wounded and hundreds of people were reported to have fled the city. Both sides claimed advances with Mujahideen fighters making new bases from the areas they had captured; however, a police spokesman denied al-Shabaab claims that government troops were losing territory in the city. The next day, al-Shabaab said it had called eleven truckloads of reinforcements to take over the capital Mogadishu after a week-long battle. The government again, however, continued to deny claims that al-Shabaab was gaining any ground. Eleven government troops were reported killed by al-Shabaab as well as five al-Shabaab fighters that day.
On August 30, fighting was renewed when al-Shabaab fighters attempted to take a government barracks around Sigale in the capital's Hodan neighbourhood. The ensuring action left six confirmed dead and sixteen wounded and by the end of the month UPI reported that a mortar attack by al-Shabaab killed four Ugandan peacekeepers guarding the presidential palace
in Mogadishu. A TFG spokesman. Barigye Ba-Hoku denied claims though by al-Shabaab that the group was close to capturing a road connecting the Palace
to the Airport
.
On September 16 at least eighteen civilians are killed in fighting between al-Shabaab and the African-backed government forces near the Bakaara Market
fighting contuned into September 20 with at least 10 more civilian casualties. On September 20, Islamic militants seized two radio stations in the capital,
and suicide bomber blew herself up at the gates of the presidential palace in Mogadishu, slightly injuring two soldiers.
Al-Shabaab launched a new offensive against government forces and AMISOM on September 22. Nineteen civilians and twenty-four Islamists were killed, one soldier member of AMISOM was killed and two others wounded as a result. On September 27 al-Shabaab militants attacked the National Parliament building with mortar
s while a lawmakers meeting was assembled. Government soldiers and African Union forces repelled the attack however.
The next day, Somalia's new prime minister
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed is sworn in as twenty-one more people are killed and thirty wounded, as allied TFG and African Union forces battled al-Shabaab insurgents. Mohamed was quoted as saying "I will uphold and protect the laws of the country and I will pursue the common interest of the people and the nation.".
By November 11, twelve more people were killed and twenty-five others injured after an attack in Mogadishu's northern district of Boondheere. and November 18 saw twenty-one more civilians killed from artillery shelling.
On November 28, the president of Uganda
Yoweri Museveni
visited Mogadishu and urged the international community to provide more support for the government of Somalia. However the next day at least fifteen people died and twenty-five injured after Islamist fighters attacked government positions in the northern part of the city.
On 20 December 2010, Hizbul Islam officially surrendered to al-Shabaab and the two organisations merged. As result al-Shabaab fighters started taking over Hizbul Islam positions, while Hizbul Islam fighters were allowed to enter al-Shabaab controlled territories as well. On December 23, the two sides formally declared unity in Mogadishu with a ceremony held in the Nasrudin mosque, which was attended by al-Shabaab's official spokesman Sheik Ali Mohamud Raghe and Sheik Abdifatah Mo'allin Mohamed, Hizbul Islam's head of information.
New fighting broke out on December 25 killing at least two and injuring at least 25, the fighting happened as al-Shabaab declared it would increase its attacks after its merger with Hizbul Islam. Twenty five more people were killed and thirty two civilians were wounded in the fighting on the 30th.
. Two AMISOM troops were KIA
.
AMISOM and TFG forces then advanced northwest into the Hodan district of Mogadishu. Resulting in that on February 23rd several strategic places were captured. This includes the former Defense Ministry that al-Shabaab have used as a base and where they launched the attacks from during the Ramadan Offensive. Warshadda Aanaha (former Milk Factory) and sections of Industrial Road were also captured. At least 86 Somali soldiers, 8 AU soldiers, 70 al-Shabaab fighters and 45 civilians were killed during the battles.
A major explosion occurred on when a suicide car bomb exploded at a police post in the Hamar jajab district of Mogadishu
. At least 20 people were killed, including TFG policemen and a woman.
During February 25th AMISOM and TFG forces took over Mogadishu
junction Florence (Hararyale), Ged Je’el in the street of Wadnaha and advanced to around 500 meters from Bakaara Market
. Another trench system used by al-Shabaab was discovered and destroyed.
In February, over 50 AMISOM soldiers were killed by the insurgents.
As the offensive continued it was reported on March 5th that, up to 53 AMISOM may have died in the clashes. Of those, 43 Burundian and 10 Ugandan.
Burundi
announced on March 12th that they had deployed 1,000 extra soldiers to AMISOM over a two day period. Bringing the total Burundi
contribution up to 4,400 soldiers.
On March 16th Abdikadir Yusuf Aar
a.k.a. Sheikh Qalbi
a senior al-Shabaab official serving as the groups leader in Juba and Gedo region was killed in Mogadishu.
May - June: Bakaara market
Bakaara market
has for several years been one of the main strong holds and sources of income (together with the port in Kismayo) for al-Shabaab. The market has been used for launching attacks and for shooting mortars towards AMISOM and TFG controlled areas of Mogadishu
. It has been hard to target al-Shabaab hiding within the market as it's the largest in Somalia
and packed with civilians.
On May 12th TFG, AMISOM and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
launched an offensive towards Bakaara market
. The goal of the offensive was to take control of Bakaara market
located in the Hawl Wadag district of Mogadishu
. It was part of a major offensive going on in several places in Somalia
to take control of the areas under al-Shabaab control.
Two days into the battle on May 14th the al-Shabaab commander of Bakaara market
Abdifatah Mahamed was killed together with his intelligence officer Abdiwahab Sheik Dole.
On May 15th heavy fighting occurred when more than 35 people were killed in the fighting, including al-Shabaab commander of Hawlwadag destrict Ali Burhan "Ayatuulah".
After four days of fighting TFG, AMISOM and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
forces had advanced around 500 meters towards the market. The front line was on May 16th around 500 - 700 meters north and west of the marked and 200 meters south of it. The areas sized from al-Shabaab included a former Sufi shrine that al-Shabaab used as a military base. In an attack on May 16th, 6 Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
soldiers were killed in a mortar attack and 17 injured.
Heavy shelling hit the Bakaara Market
on May 14th, resulting in at least 14 civilian deaths. Most of the civilians killed were women doing their shopping, one child was also among those killed. Shelling continued on May 20th and in Saraha Boliska in the Wadajir district, 3 people were killed in another shelling incident and 6 were injured. Mortars also hit the Bulahubey neighborhood, injuring 2 people.
A major breakthrough happened on May 22nd when most of the marked roads, including the Wadnaha road (National road) fell into the hands of TFG and AMISOM. During the fighting, 2 civilians, 4 AMISOM soldiers and 22 al-Shabaab fighters were killed. al-Shabaab lost one of their top leaders in Mogadishu
. Before being killed Abu Hubeyda was coordinating the al-Shabaab attacks from Bakaara market
.
As the AMISOM and TFG forces advanced they captured the famous Red Mosque on May 23rd.
In an attempt on May 25th to open a second front and relief the some of the pressure from Bakaara market
, around 300 al-Shabaab fighters attacked AMISOM and TFG bases in Bondere, Shingani and Scibis. At least 5 al-Shabaab fighters were killed. Fighting continued the next night and at least 1 person was killed. Due to the tense situation in Bakaara market
merchants started to evacuate the market. Some of the shop keepers re-opened in TFG controlled parts of Mogadishu
.
During the offensive several key places were captured by AMISOM and TFG. They include the Red mosque, Wadnaha road (National road), Sheikh Ali Suffi mosque, African Village and "Tarabunka" (old parade ground).
Around 15 vehicles carrying foreign al-Shabaab fighters (of African origin and one truck of Pakistani
and Yemen
ite) left Abdul Aziz district in Mogadishu
heading to Afgoye on 30th May. At the same time al-Shabaab deployed fighters from Lower Shabelle
and Bay
region to the front line in Bakaara market
in an attempt to put an halt to the offensive made by AMISOM and TFG.
At 16.45 hours al-Shabaab insurgence disguised as SNA
soldiers driving a white mini van opened fire at AMISOM and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
fighters at the "Dabka" base. The insurgence objective was the Ugandan AMISOM soldiers stationed in Maka Al-Mukarama. Due to a mistake the insurgence attacked the building next to the one holding AMISOM soldiers, and instead attacked the one holding Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
fighters. The area was heavy guarded and 3 of the al-Shabaab insurgence was killed in the firefight while 2 exploded (suicide bombers) killing several civilians on the Maka Al-Mukarama road. Then the rest of the insurgence (3) ran towards the Liberian village, where SNA
soldiers were stationed. 2 AMISOM soldiers and 6 insurgence was killed in the attack. While 3 AMISOM soldiers and 6 Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
fighters was injured. One of the al-Shabaab suicide bomber killed during the attack was Abdullahi Ahmed, a Somali
/American
from Minneapolis, USA.
al-Shabaab launched hit and run attacks on AMISOM and SNA
bases at Warshadaha street in the early morning of 2nd June. At least 2 people was killed and 3 injured in the fighting that erupted. Around 17 civilians were killed and 46 injured in the fighting that continued at Wadnaha Road, former Ministry of Defense and Hodan district. Most of the casualties occurred when artillery fire hit a bus station. AMISOM and SNA
continued their advance an penetrated deep into al-Shabaab trenches. The result of the fighting was that AMISOM (Burundi
troops) and SNA
gained full control over Taranbunka road witch leads from Km 4 to the Industrial road as well as western access to Bakaara market
.
Friday 3rd June was a calm day in Mogadishu
. AMISOM troops moved out of some of its key bases in the city, and moved forward to the newly established bases closer to Bakara market in African V illage and on Wadnaha road (National road). Somali Police Force
will be tasked with the security in the rear ares where AMISOM pulled out. After using the Friday to prepare, AMISOM and SNA
attacked al-Shabaab in the northeastern parts of Mogadishu
on Saturday. AMISOM were advancing with tanks towards al-Shabaab positions. The whole district of Bondere (including the former embassies of Italy
and Syria
), Siinay Village in Wardhigley district and Afarta Jardiino in Yaqshid district and Damanyo military camp (Shirkole Ofshiale) were captured by AMISOM and SNA
. At least 15 people was killed (including 1 Ugandan soldier) and 30 injured. It is believed that the majority of the injured were civilians.
The commander of the Ugandan 23rd Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel
Patrick Tibihwa and 3 other Ugandan soldiers were killed on Saturday, 4th June. The Lieutenant Colonel
is the highest ranking Ugandan officer killed in Somalia
. He was killed by a stray bullet in Bondere district of Mogadishu
. The 3 others were hit by mortars in the same district.
Fighting continued on Sunday 5th June. Suqa Holaha, Jungal, Siisii and Fagah neighborhood was hit by several artillery shells. 8 civilians were killed and 15 injured.
Somali Police Force
took over the security of Km 4, Guriga Shaqalaha, Isgoyska Dabka and Makka Almukara road on 6th June. This happened after AMISOM and SNA
moved their forces to the front line in Mogadishu
. Mortars hit the neighborhoods near the sea resort in Karan district. Around 10 civilian people was killed and residents started to evacuate the district in fear for more shelling.
2 civilians were killed and 1 injured on 7th June, when al-Shabaab insurgence opened fire at khat
traders in Almada area of Mogadishu
.
The head of VIP
section at Aden Adde International Airport Omar Abdulle Mohamed a.k.a Omar Qaldaan was assasinated
on 8th June. When he left a mosque in Dharkeynley district of Mogadishu
a man dressed in the uniform of SNA
approached him. When he noticed the man he then tried to escape but was shot in the head and died instantly. Since being appointed head of VIP
section at Aden Adde International Airport earlier this year he had received several death threats. al-Shabaab is the prime suspect after the Assassination
.
The top al-Shabaab commander Fazul Abdullah Mohammed
and a Kenyan extremist Musa Hussein (a.k.a. Musa Sambayo), were driving in a car carrying $40,000 in United States Dollars, as well as medicine, telephones, laptops and a South African passport
in the Afgooye
corridor, northwest of Mogadishu
on June 8, 2011. Musa Hussein was known to Mohammed as Abdullahi Dere and is believed to have been involved in funding operations for al-Shabaab. They had been driving from Jubbada Hoose
with destination Mogadishu
. There they were to meet another al-Shabaab commander. As the front line was changing daily in Mogadishu
they took took a wrong turn or got lost resulting in they entered Sarkuusta area in the outskirt of Mogadishu
that TFG/AMISOM controlled. At 2:00 A.M. they failed to stop at a security checkpoint managed by the Somalian military (SNA)
. The SNA
opened fire on the car, killing both Fazul Abdullah Mohammed and his accomplice.
A suicide attack occurred at the Mogadishu
port on 9th June. 2 al-Shabaab insurgence passed a check point at the port blended with other traders. Then they climbed over the fence and proceeded to the AMISOM base at the 4th store in the port. There they opened fire. One of the insurgence were shot and killed before being able to detonate the charge. The second insurgence detonated and killed 1 civilian. 3 AMISOM soldiers were injured in the attack. One of the suicide bombers was later identified as 27 years old Farah Mohamed Beledi from Minnesota
, USA.
On 10 June, the Interior Minister Abdi Shakur Sheikh Hassan was killed by a bomb at his home in Soobe near Km 4 in Mogadishu
. Somali Police Force
claim he was killed when his niece from abroad Haboon Abdulkadir Hersi Qaaf acted as a suicide bomber. She was found dead at the scene, while the minister was taken to Banadir Hospital
where he later was pronounced dead from the injuries sustained from the bomb. al-Shabaab however claimed responsibility for the attack and claim the bomb that detonated was planted under the ministers bed in his home.
In beginning of June there was a political crises between President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and the Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden
with ended with the "Kampala accord" on 9th June. During this time the offensive seem to have halted as the market has been beseiged from three sides. AMISOM announced that taking complete control over Bakaara market
could take as long as until October 2011.
(12th May - 11th June)
had arrived in Mogadishu
.
16 people was killed in battle when al-Shabaab attacked a SNA
/AMISOM convoy in northern parts of Yaqshid district on 3rd July. Another 27 people was injured in the fighting that followed.
SNA
and AMISOM attacked Bangaria village in Hodan district and captured it from al-Shabaab on 5th July. 5 civilians were killed during the fighting.
At least 7 SNA
soldiers was killed on 10th July in heavy fighting that followed after al-Shabaab insurgence attacked a SNA
base in Ex-Control Afgoye Street.
10 SNA
soldiers and nine al-Shabaab militants were killed during an armed encounter as the fighters attacked the Gashandhiga military base on 16th July.
On July 29, SNA
attacked al-Shabaab in Yaqshid and sized an al-Shabaab position. Then AMISOM shelled the previous al-Shabaab position believing it was manned by al-Shabaab. At least 30 SNA
soldiers were killed in the shelling. 37 al-Shabaab fighters were also killed in clashes.
Kalif Jire Warfa (aged 54) was gunned down and killed as he left Maruwas mosque
in Mogadishu
. Two armed men shot him six times in both head and shoulder killing him instantly. Both killers escaped the scene. al-Shabaab later claimed responsibility for the assassination
.
In the beginning of August at least 4 civilians were killed by snipers at Bakaara market
. The area had been almost deserted after heavy battles have raged the area and snipers could be seen on most of the rooftops in the area.
After becoming under increased pressure from SNA
and AMISOM several al-Shabaab leaders including Fuad Mohamed Qalaf
and Omar Shafik Hammami fled from Mogadishu
on August 4. al-Shabaab almost completely left the bases in Suqa Holaha, Tawakal Village and Daynile.
When aid was to be delivered to IDPs
at Badbaado camp in Mogadishu
on August 5 at least 7 civilians were killed. The fighting started after SNA
soldiers tried to loot the aid and IDPs
tried to prevent it.
During the night from Friday to Saturday, August 6, al-Shabaab abandoned all areas in Mogadishu
. This move came after heavy fighting on August 5, which included some of the most intensive firepower used by AMISOM. SNA
and AMISOM had penetrated Bakaara market
and closed in on the Mogadiscio Stadium
which had been al-Shabaab's main base in the capital. al-Shabaab fighters fled in small cars from all areas and some left their weapons and al-Shabaab uniform to slip into civilian dresses. al-Shabaab leaders Sheikh Mukhtar Robow and Hassan Dahir Aweys are believed to have fled to Bakool
region of Somalia
.
On the morning of Saturday 6 SNA
and AMISOM were in control of most of the areas abandoned by al-Shabaab including Bakaara market
, Mogadiscio Stadium
and the avenues Sodonka and Warshadaha. That same day, President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said that al-Shabaab had been completely expelled from Mogadishu
.
al-Shabaab militants attacked SNA
army bases in Dayniile district. Nine people was killed and 13 were injured in the attack. The following day al-Shabaab launched new attacks on SNA
in Yaqshid district. Two SNA
soldiers where killed and two other injured. Later that day a car full of explosives blew up in the outskirts of Mogadishu
leaving 14 people dead and 20 injured. On August 9th al-Shabaab attacked AMISOM bases in Abdiaziz district. Dour were killed and five injured.
On August 14, al-Shabaab declared they would switch from conventional tactics to hit and run attacks and vowed to continue such attacks, claiming they inflicted more casualties on AMISOM that way. The following day al-Shabaab claimed the tactic to be successful and to have killed one AMISOM soldier from Uganda
.
AMISOM and SNA
continued to advance in Mogadishu
, and took control over Hotel Ramadan, Hotel Kaah, Ex-mali TV center, Towfik junction, Towfik market, Ahmed Gurey School and Jungle on August 16. They encountered some resistance from al-Shabaab fighters, but they were quickly overrun.
Three employees (a nurse, a logistic officer and a driver) of Daynile Hospital in Mogadishu
were kidnapped by al-Shabaab in the Huriwa district on 17 August. Seven people and 15 were injured in fighting between AMISOM/SNA
and al-Shabaab.
At least three people were killed and six injured when SNA
clashed in Dharkenly district of Mogadishu
on 20 August. The fighting started after disagreement on the taxation at a check-point and looting of aid supplies.
Fuad Mohamed Qalaf
spoke at a mosque in Eelasha-Biyaha district of Mogadishu
on 21 August. He announced that al-Shabaab would assassinate those who support TFG and civilian
s would not be spared. The same day six civilians were injured in a grenade attack aimed at a SNA
foot patrol at the Dabakayo-Madow village in the Dharkenyley district. al-Shabaab is the prime suspected as the bomber escaped from the scene. Three civilians were injured when al-Shabaab attacked a SNA
base in Dharkinley district with hand granades.
al-Shabaab attacked SNA
bases in Yaqshid district on 23rd August. Three people were killed and the injured. The following day the Somali Police Force
arrested three men carrying explosives in Dharkinley district.
On 27th August, al-Shabaab attacked AMISOM and SNA
on several locations in Mogadishu
. Ten people was killed and 15 injured. Soldiers from SNA
foiled a suicide attack at KM4 captureing a car full of explosives.
900 SNA
soldiers graduated from Bihanga Military training School in Bihanga, Uganda
on 31 August.
Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, who was working for Malaysia's national Bernama TV
, was shot and killed and fellow journalist
and camera operator Aji Saregar Mazlan from TV3 (Malaysia)
was wounded. The incident happened on Shakhala road, at the Kilometer Four intersection. It was four AMISOM soldiers from Burundi
that opened fire on their vehicle, which was being escorted by soldiers from SNA
.
In August TFG decided to remove all checkpoints in and around Mogadishu
. Fighting broke out when soldiers of SNA
were to remove a checkpoint in Wadajir district on 2 September. Shortly after the fighting started soldiers from AMISOM arrived and restored order. The checkpoint were run by militia loyal to Ahmed Da'i, the districk commissioner of Wadajir. Four people including two SNA
soldiers where killed and six was wounded.
al-Shabaab gunmen attacked SNA
soldiers on patrol in Wadajir district on 4 September. At least 13 people was killed in the attack that lasted for two hours.
al-Shabaab attacked SNA
and AMISOM bases in the former defense ministry, Gulwadayaasha military camp, Jale Siyad faculty and Ex-control Afgoye junction on 9th September. Three people were killed and five sustained injuries.
On September 8, a soldier from SNA
started to shoot at IDP
s in the Waberi district. Six civilians were killed and three people was injured. The soldier was arrested at the scene.
and AMISOM entered Daynile, the last district in Mogadishu
that was under the control of al-Shabaab. The offensive started well with little resistance. As they advanced into the Daynile district al-Shabaab sealed off their retreat route and opened fire with rifles, belt-fed machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. A Burundian peacekeeper, Cpl. Arcade Arakaza later said: -It was a classic envelope trap, with the Shabab drawing the peacekeepers deeper into their lair, sealing off the escape routes and then closing in from all sides. SNA
and AMISOM managed to fight back and capture the Daynile police station. In the evening al-Shabaab reinforced with fighters from Lower Shabelle, Bay
and Bakool
launched a counter-attack re-captured the strategic important Daynile police station. The following day AMISOM sent reinforcements to the area and heavy fighting continued. When the battle was over more than 70 soldier from AMISOM (mostly Burundi
) had been killed and the Daynile district had fallen in the hands of SNA
and AMISOM. At least 60 of the AMISOM soldiers killed in the ambush were put on display by al-Shabaabs spokesperson Ali Mohamud Rage in the Alamada area, 18 km outside Mogadishu
.
Background
Al-Shabaab had previously declared a "massive" war against the internationally backed Transitional Federal Government and AMISOM troop "invaders." On July 11, 2010 they attackedJuly 2010 Kampala attacks
The July 2010 Kampala attacks were suicide bombings carried out against crowds watching a screening of 2010 FIFA World Cup Final match during the World Cup at two locations in Kampala, Uganda, on , 2010. The attacks left 74 dead and 70 injured...
Kampala
Kampala
Kampala is the largest city and capital of Uganda. The city is divided into five boroughs that oversee local planning: Kampala Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division and Lubaga Division. The city is coterminous with Kampala District.-History: of Buganda, had chosen...
, Uganda in revenge for the country's support of African Union
African Union
The African Union is a union consisting of 54 African states. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity...
troops in Somalia.
The attacks took place as hundreds of additional Ugandan troops arrived in the country.
August: Ramadan Offensive
Forty people were reportedly killed and more than one hundred injured in the violence that began on August 23. After that fighting continued and the next day when several al-Shabaab militants, disguised as government workers, launched an attack at the Muna HotelMuna Hotel attack
The Muna Hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu was attacked by al-Shabaab fighters on 24 August 2010. The hotel was known to host government officials and other politicians...
, a hotel known for hosting many Somali government officials and politicians, the hotel was located a kilometre away from the presidential palace Villa Somalia
Villa Somalia
Villa Somalia is the presidential palace of Somalia, which sits on high ground near the shores of the Indian Ocean in Mogadishu, with access to both the harbor and airport....
. Thirty one people were reported killed in the hotel incident, including eleven lawmakers.
By August 26, one-hundred fifteen people had been killed and, two hundred had been wounded and hundreds of people were reported to have fled the city. Both sides claimed advances with Mujahideen fighters making new bases from the areas they had captured; however, a police spokesman denied al-Shabaab claims that government troops were losing territory in the city. The next day, al-Shabaab said it had called eleven truckloads of reinforcements to take over the capital Mogadishu after a week-long battle. The government again, however, continued to deny claims that al-Shabaab was gaining any ground. Eleven government troops were reported killed by al-Shabaab as well as five al-Shabaab fighters that day.
On August 30, fighting was renewed when al-Shabaab fighters attempted to take a government barracks around Sigale in the capital's Hodan neighbourhood. The ensuring action left six confirmed dead and sixteen wounded and by the end of the month UPI reported that a mortar attack by al-Shabaab killed four Ugandan peacekeepers guarding the presidential palace
Villa Somalia
Villa Somalia is the presidential palace of Somalia, which sits on high ground near the shores of the Indian Ocean in Mogadishu, with access to both the harbor and airport....
in Mogadishu. A TFG spokesman. Barigye Ba-Hoku denied claims though by al-Shabaab that the group was close to capturing a road connecting the Palace
Villa Somalia
Villa Somalia is the presidential palace of Somalia, which sits on high ground near the shores of the Indian Ocean in Mogadishu, with access to both the harbor and airport....
to the Airport
Mogadishu International Airport
Aden Adde International Airport , formerly known as Mogadishu International Airport, is the international airport for Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. It is named after Aden Abdullah Osman Daar, the first President of Somalia....
.
September
The first week of September started with at least nineteen people being killed in fresh fighting between forces loyal to the Western-backed government of Somalia and al-Shabaab fighters in Mogadishu. Almost 14,000 of the displaced people left Mogadishu by the fifth entirely as fighting continued, and by weeks end three more Somalis are killed and twenty-three wounded as five hundred shells pounded northern and southern parts of the capital. On September 9 al-Shabaab attacked Mogadishu's airport when a bomb exploded outside. A second vehicle full of militants then opened fire on the peacekeepers and Somali security forces that left at least eight people are killed (two of whom were peacekeeping force soldiers).On September 16 at least eighteen civilians are killed in fighting between al-Shabaab and the African-backed government forces near the Bakaara Market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
fighting contuned into September 20 with at least 10 more civilian casualties. On September 20, Islamic militants seized two radio stations in the capital,
and suicide bomber blew herself up at the gates of the presidential palace in Mogadishu, slightly injuring two soldiers.
Al-Shabaab launched a new offensive against government forces and AMISOM on September 22. Nineteen civilians and twenty-four Islamists were killed, one soldier member of AMISOM was killed and two others wounded as a result. On September 27 al-Shabaab militants attacked the National Parliament building with mortar
Mortar (weapon)
A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber....
s while a lawmakers meeting was assembled. Government soldiers and African Union forces repelled the attack however.
October
Between October 5–6, at least fifteen people were killed and twenty-two others wounded in fighting in Mogadishu between insurgent forces and AMISOM. Most of the dead were civilians. On October 7 however it was reported that AU troops had captured more territory and were expected to control half of the city by the end of the month. By October 11–12, fifteen more people are killed in clashes as fighting contuned. Organized by the city's local government on October 24, hundreds of people rallied in the Somali government controlled part of Mogadishu to protest against the Islamist insurgency and call for peaceful resolution. By the end of the month, officials in Mogadishu claimed that they had the upper hand in six of the capital’s 16 districts as fighting continues. Outside the capital Ahlu Sunna wal Jamaa had also made additional progress chasing al-Shabaab out of a few towns in the recent weeks. Al-Shabaab however is reported to be continuing its terror tactics and smart guerrilla tactics.November
On November 1, at least twelve people were killed in a battle between Government forces and militants. Three government soldiers were killed, with six wounded. Witnesses claim civilians were also killed during the battle.The next day, Somalia's new prime minister
Prime Minister of Somalia
This page contains a list of the Prime Ministers of Somalia.-Prime Ministers of Somalia :-Affiliations:*SYL - Somali Youth League*SNL - Somali National League...
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed is sworn in as twenty-one more people are killed and thirty wounded, as allied TFG and African Union forces battled al-Shabaab insurgents. Mohamed was quoted as saying "I will uphold and protect the laws of the country and I will pursue the common interest of the people and the nation.".
By November 11, twelve more people were killed and twenty-five others injured after an attack in Mogadishu's northern district of Boondheere. and November 18 saw twenty-one more civilians killed from artillery shelling.
On November 28, the president of Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
Yoweri Museveni
Yoweri Museveni
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is a Ugandan politician and statesman. He has been President of Uganda since 26 January 1986.Museveni was involved in the war that deposed Idi Amin Dada, ending his rule in 1979, and in the rebellion that subsequently led to the demise of the Milton Obote regime in 1985...
visited Mogadishu and urged the international community to provide more support for the government of Somalia. However the next day at least fifteen people died and twenty-five injured after Islamist fighters attacked government positions in the northern part of the city.
December
The month began with more AMISOM troops being deployed on December 2 as more attacks continued, mostly in the northern part of the city. On December 5, at lease twelve more people and twenty others were wounded as a result of heavy artillery exchange in one of the city's northern districts. Fifteen additional people were killed between the 10th and 11th and on the 15th heavy fighting was reported as al-Shabaab tried to cut off Maka-Almukarama which is the only street in Mogadishu that the Somali government officials and the African Union troops use for their especial purposes. Over 100 people were killed in the clashes.On 20 December 2010, Hizbul Islam officially surrendered to al-Shabaab and the two organisations merged. As result al-Shabaab fighters started taking over Hizbul Islam positions, while Hizbul Islam fighters were allowed to enter al-Shabaab controlled territories as well. On December 23, the two sides formally declared unity in Mogadishu with a ceremony held in the Nasrudin mosque, which was attended by al-Shabaab's official spokesman Sheik Ali Mohamud Raghe and Sheik Abdifatah Mo'allin Mohamed, Hizbul Islam's head of information.
New fighting broke out on December 25 killing at least two and injuring at least 25, the fighting happened as al-Shabaab declared it would increase its attacks after its merger with Hizbul Islam. Twenty five more people were killed and thirty two civilians were wounded in the fighting on the 30th.
January
The new year opened up with a violent mutiny staged by government forces which resulted in three soldiers being killed and seven wounded over nonpayment of salary. Nineteen people were also killed in clashes on January 1 as insurgents attacked bases of Somali government forces.February - March: anti-insurgency offensive
On February 19th AMISOM forces clashed with al-Shabaab in the Sigaale and El Hindi areas of Hawl Wadag distric. It lasted for two days, reaching with a death toll of more than 20 people including several foreigner al-Shabaab fighters. The next next day it was reported that AMISOM troops destroyed a large complex of al-Shabaab trenches, and killed six al-Shabaab commanders in MogadishuMogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. Two AMISOM troops were KIA
Killed in action
Killed in action is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their own forces at the hands of hostile forces. The United States Department of Defense, for example, says that those declared KIA need not have fired their weapons but have been killed due to...
.
AMISOM and TFG forces then advanced northwest into the Hodan district of Mogadishu. Resulting in that on February 23rd several strategic places were captured. This includes the former Defense Ministry that al-Shabaab have used as a base and where they launched the attacks from during the Ramadan Offensive. Warshadda Aanaha (former Milk Factory) and sections of Industrial Road were also captured. At least 86 Somali soldiers, 8 AU soldiers, 70 al-Shabaab fighters and 45 civilians were killed during the battles.
A major explosion occurred on when a suicide car bomb exploded at a police post in the Hamar jajab district of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. At least 20 people were killed, including TFG policemen and a woman.
During February 25th AMISOM and TFG forces took over Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
junction Florence (Hararyale), Ged Je’el in the street of Wadnaha and advanced to around 500 meters from Bakaara Market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
. Another trench system used by al-Shabaab was discovered and destroyed.
In February, over 50 AMISOM soldiers were killed by the insurgents.
As the offensive continued it was reported on March 5th that, up to 53 AMISOM may have died in the clashes. Of those, 43 Burundian and 10 Ugandan.
Burundi
Burundi
Burundi , officially the Republic of Burundi , is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura...
announced on March 12th that they had deployed 1,000 extra soldiers to AMISOM over a two day period. Bringing the total Burundi
Burundi
Burundi , officially the Republic of Burundi , is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura...
contribution up to 4,400 soldiers.
On March 16th Abdikadir Yusuf Aar
Abdikadir Yusuf Aar
Abdikadir Yusuf Aar aka Sheikh Qalbi was a senior Al-Shabaab officer from the Juba region.He had been a member of Al-Itihaad Al-Islamiya in Luq from 1995 - 2002...
a.k.a. Sheikh Qalbi
Abdikadir Yusuf Aar
Abdikadir Yusuf Aar aka Sheikh Qalbi was a senior Al-Shabaab officer from the Juba region.He had been a member of Al-Itihaad Al-Islamiya in Luq from 1995 - 2002...
a senior al-Shabaab official serving as the groups leader in Juba and Gedo region was killed in Mogadishu.
May - June: Bakaara marketBakaara MarketThe Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
offensive
Bakaara marketBakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
has for several years been one of the main strong holds and sources of income (together with the port in Kismayo) for al-Shabaab. The market has been used for launching attacks and for shooting mortars towards AMISOM and TFG controlled areas of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. It has been hard to target al-Shabaab hiding within the market as it's the largest in Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
and packed with civilians.
On May 12th TFG, AMISOM and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a or ASWJ is a Somali paramilitary group consisting of moderate Sufis opposed to the radical islamist group Al-Shabaab. They are fighting to prevent strict sharia and Wahhabism from being imposed on Somalia and protecting the country's Sunni-Sufi traditions and generally...
launched an offensive towards Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
. The goal of the offensive was to take control of Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
located in the Hawl Wadag district of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. It was part of a major offensive going on in several places in Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
to take control of the areas under al-Shabaab control.
Two days into the battle on May 14th the al-Shabaab commander of Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
Abdifatah Mahamed was killed together with his intelligence officer Abdiwahab Sheik Dole.
On May 15th heavy fighting occurred when more than 35 people were killed in the fighting, including al-Shabaab commander of Hawlwadag destrict Ali Burhan "Ayatuulah".
After four days of fighting TFG, AMISOM and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a or ASWJ is a Somali paramilitary group consisting of moderate Sufis opposed to the radical islamist group Al-Shabaab. They are fighting to prevent strict sharia and Wahhabism from being imposed on Somalia and protecting the country's Sunni-Sufi traditions and generally...
forces had advanced around 500 meters towards the market. The front line was on May 16th around 500 - 700 meters north and west of the marked and 200 meters south of it. The areas sized from al-Shabaab included a former Sufi shrine that al-Shabaab used as a military base. In an attack on May 16th, 6 Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a or ASWJ is a Somali paramilitary group consisting of moderate Sufis opposed to the radical islamist group Al-Shabaab. They are fighting to prevent strict sharia and Wahhabism from being imposed on Somalia and protecting the country's Sunni-Sufi traditions and generally...
soldiers were killed in a mortar attack and 17 injured.
Heavy shelling hit the Bakaara Market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
on May 14th, resulting in at least 14 civilian deaths. Most of the civilians killed were women doing their shopping, one child was also among those killed. Shelling continued on May 20th and in Saraha Boliska in the Wadajir district, 3 people were killed in another shelling incident and 6 were injured. Mortars also hit the Bulahubey neighborhood, injuring 2 people.
A major breakthrough happened on May 22nd when most of the marked roads, including the Wadnaha road (National road) fell into the hands of TFG and AMISOM. During the fighting, 2 civilians, 4 AMISOM soldiers and 22 al-Shabaab fighters were killed. al-Shabaab lost one of their top leaders in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. Before being killed Abu Hubeyda was coordinating the al-Shabaab attacks from Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
.
As the AMISOM and TFG forces advanced they captured the famous Red Mosque on May 23rd.
In an attempt on May 25th to open a second front and relief the some of the pressure from Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
, around 300 al-Shabaab fighters attacked AMISOM and TFG bases in Bondere, Shingani and Scibis. At least 5 al-Shabaab fighters were killed. Fighting continued the next night and at least 1 person was killed. Due to the tense situation in Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
merchants started to evacuate the market. Some of the shop keepers re-opened in TFG controlled parts of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
.
During the offensive several key places were captured by AMISOM and TFG. They include the Red mosque, Wadnaha road (National road), Sheikh Ali Suffi mosque, African Village and "Tarabunka" (old parade ground).
Around 15 vehicles carrying foreign al-Shabaab fighters (of African origin and one truck of Pakistani
Demographics of Pakistan
This article is about the demographic features of the population of Pakistan, including population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population....
and Yemen
Yemen
The Republic of Yemen , commonly known as Yemen , is a country located in the Middle East, occupying the southwestern to southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the west, and Oman to the east....
ite) left Abdul Aziz district in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
heading to Afgoye on 30th May. At the same time al-Shabaab deployed fighters from Lower Shabelle
Shabeellaha Hoose
Lower Shebelle is an administrative region in southern Somalia.-Overview:It is bordered by the Somalian regions of Banadir, Middle Shebelle, Hiran, Bay and Middle Juba, and the Indian Ocean...
and Bay
Bay, Somalia
Bay is an administrative region in southern Somalia.-Overview:It is bordered by the Somalian regions of Bakool, Lower Shabele, Middle Juba and Gedo....
region to the front line in Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
in an attempt to put an halt to the offensive made by AMISOM and TFG.
At 16.45 hours al-Shabaab insurgence disguised as SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers driving a white mini van opened fire at AMISOM and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a or ASWJ is a Somali paramilitary group consisting of moderate Sufis opposed to the radical islamist group Al-Shabaab. They are fighting to prevent strict sharia and Wahhabism from being imposed on Somalia and protecting the country's Sunni-Sufi traditions and generally...
fighters at the "Dabka" base. The insurgence objective was the Ugandan AMISOM soldiers stationed in Maka Al-Mukarama. Due to a mistake the insurgence attacked the building next to the one holding AMISOM soldiers, and instead attacked the one holding Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a or ASWJ is a Somali paramilitary group consisting of moderate Sufis opposed to the radical islamist group Al-Shabaab. They are fighting to prevent strict sharia and Wahhabism from being imposed on Somalia and protecting the country's Sunni-Sufi traditions and generally...
fighters. The area was heavy guarded and 3 of the al-Shabaab insurgence was killed in the firefight while 2 exploded (suicide bombers) killing several civilians on the Maka Al-Mukarama road. Then the rest of the insurgence (3) ran towards the Liberian village, where SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers were stationed. 2 AMISOM soldiers and 6 insurgence was killed in the attack. While 3 AMISOM soldiers and 6 Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a
Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a or ASWJ is a Somali paramilitary group consisting of moderate Sufis opposed to the radical islamist group Al-Shabaab. They are fighting to prevent strict sharia and Wahhabism from being imposed on Somalia and protecting the country's Sunni-Sufi traditions and generally...
fighters was injured. One of the al-Shabaab suicide bomber killed during the attack was Abdullahi Ahmed, a Somali
Somali people
Somalis are an ethnic group located in the Horn of Africa, also known as the Somali Peninsula. The overwhelming majority of Somalis speak the Somali language, which is part of the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family...
/American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
from Minneapolis, USA.
al-Shabaab launched hit and run attacks on AMISOM and SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
bases at Warshadaha street in the early morning of 2nd June. At least 2 people was killed and 3 injured in the fighting that erupted. Around 17 civilians were killed and 46 injured in the fighting that continued at Wadnaha Road, former Ministry of Defense and Hodan district. Most of the casualties occurred when artillery fire hit a bus station. AMISOM and SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
continued their advance an penetrated deep into al-Shabaab trenches. The result of the fighting was that AMISOM (Burundi
Burundi
Burundi , officially the Republic of Burundi , is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura...
troops) and SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
gained full control over Taranbunka road witch leads from Km 4 to the Industrial road as well as western access to Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
.
Friday 3rd June was a calm day in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. AMISOM troops moved out of some of its key bases in the city, and moved forward to the newly established bases closer to Bakara market in African V illage and on Wadnaha road (National road). Somali Police Force
Somali Police Force
The Somali Police Force is the national police force and the main civil law enforcement agency of Somalia.-History:In 1960, the British Somaliland Scouts joined with the Police Corps of Somalia to form a new Somali Police Force, which consisted of about 3,700 men...
will be tasked with the security in the rear ares where AMISOM pulled out. After using the Friday to prepare, AMISOM and SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
attacked al-Shabaab in the northeastern parts of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
on Saturday. AMISOM were advancing with tanks towards al-Shabaab positions. The whole district of Bondere (including the former embassies of Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
and Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
), Siinay Village in Wardhigley district and Afarta Jardiino in Yaqshid district and Damanyo military camp (Shirkole Ofshiale) were captured by AMISOM and SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
. At least 15 people was killed (including 1 Ugandan soldier) and 30 injured. It is believed that the majority of the injured were civilians.
The commander of the Ugandan 23rd Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
Patrick Tibihwa and 3 other Ugandan soldiers were killed on Saturday, 4th June. The Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
is the highest ranking Ugandan officer killed in Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
. He was killed by a stray bullet in Bondere district of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. The 3 others were hit by mortars in the same district.
Fighting continued on Sunday 5th June. Suqa Holaha, Jungal, Siisii and Fagah neighborhood was hit by several artillery shells. 8 civilians were killed and 15 injured.
Somali Police Force
Somali Police Force
The Somali Police Force is the national police force and the main civil law enforcement agency of Somalia.-History:In 1960, the British Somaliland Scouts joined with the Police Corps of Somalia to form a new Somali Police Force, which consisted of about 3,700 men...
took over the security of Km 4, Guriga Shaqalaha, Isgoyska Dabka and Makka Almukara road on 6th June. This happened after AMISOM and SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
moved their forces to the front line in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. Mortars hit the neighborhoods near the sea resort in Karan district. Around 10 civilian people was killed and residents started to evacuate the district in fear for more shelling.
2 civilians were killed and 1 injured on 7th June, when al-Shabaab insurgence opened fire at khat
Khat
Khat, qat, gat or Waquish Spoken from true Yemeni, is a flowering plant native to tropical East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula....
traders in Almada area of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
.
The head of VIP
Very Important Person
A Very Important Person, or VIP is a person who is accorded special privileges due to his or her status or importance.Examples include celebrities, heads of state/heads of government, major employers, high rollers, politicians, high-level corporate officers, wealthy individuals, or any other...
section at Aden Adde International Airport Omar Abdulle Mohamed a.k.a Omar Qaldaan was assasinated
Assassination
To carry out an assassination is "to murder by a sudden and/or secret attack, often for political reasons." Alternatively, assassination may be defined as "the act of deliberately killing someone, especially a public figure, usually for hire or for political reasons."An assassination may be...
on 8th June. When he left a mosque in Dharkeynley district of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
a man dressed in the uniform of SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
approached him. When he noticed the man he then tried to escape but was shot in the head and died instantly. Since being appointed head of VIP
Very Important Person
A Very Important Person, or VIP is a person who is accorded special privileges due to his or her status or importance.Examples include celebrities, heads of state/heads of government, major employers, high rollers, politicians, high-level corporate officers, wealthy individuals, or any other...
section at Aden Adde International Airport earlier this year he had received several death threats. al-Shabaab is the prime suspect after the Assassination
Assassination
To carry out an assassination is "to murder by a sudden and/or secret attack, often for political reasons." Alternatively, assassination may be defined as "the act of deliberately killing someone, especially a public figure, usually for hire or for political reasons."An assassination may be...
.
The top al-Shabaab commander Fazul Abdullah Mohammed
Fazul Abdullah Mohammed
Fazul Abdullah Mohammed was a member of al-Qaeda, and the leader of its presence in East Africa as of November 2009. Mohammed was born in Moroni, Comoros Islands and had Kenyan as well as Comorian citizenship...
and a Kenyan extremist Musa Hussein (a.k.a. Musa Sambayo), were driving in a car carrying $40,000 in United States Dollars, as well as medicine, telephones, laptops and a South African passport
South African passport
A South African passport is a travel document issued to citizens of South Africa for the purpose of international travel. It allows the bearer to travel in foreign countries in accordance with visa requirements, and facilitates the process of securing assistance from South African consular...
in the Afgooye
Afgooye
-Location:It is situated about 25 kilometres west of Mogadishu, the nation's capital. The Shabelle River passes through the middle of the town.-History:Afgooye was part of Italian Somaliland during the early part of the 20th century...
corridor, northwest of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
on June 8, 2011. Musa Hussein was known to Mohammed as Abdullahi Dere and is believed to have been involved in funding operations for al-Shabaab. They had been driving from Jubbada Hoose
Jubbada Hoose
Lower Juba is an administrative region in southern Somalia. With its capital at Kismayo, it lies in the Jubaland autonomous region.Lower Juba is bordered by Kenya, the Somalian regions of Gedo, Middle Juba, and the Indian Ocean...
with destination Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. There they were to meet another al-Shabaab commander. As the front line was changing daily in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
they took took a wrong turn or got lost resulting in they entered Sarkuusta area in the outskirt of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
that TFG/AMISOM controlled. At 2:00 A.M. they failed to stop at a security checkpoint managed by the Somalian military (SNA)
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
. The SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
opened fire on the car, killing both Fazul Abdullah Mohammed and his accomplice.
A suicide attack occurred at the Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
port on 9th June. 2 al-Shabaab insurgence passed a check point at the port blended with other traders. Then they climbed over the fence and proceeded to the AMISOM base at the 4th store in the port. There they opened fire. One of the insurgence were shot and killed before being able to detonate the charge. The second insurgence detonated and killed 1 civilian. 3 AMISOM soldiers were injured in the attack. One of the suicide bombers was later identified as 27 years old Farah Mohamed Beledi from Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
, USA.
On 10 June, the Interior Minister Abdi Shakur Sheikh Hassan was killed by a bomb at his home in Soobe near Km 4 in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. Somali Police Force
Somali Police Force
The Somali Police Force is the national police force and the main civil law enforcement agency of Somalia.-History:In 1960, the British Somaliland Scouts joined with the Police Corps of Somalia to form a new Somali Police Force, which consisted of about 3,700 men...
claim he was killed when his niece from abroad Haboon Abdulkadir Hersi Qaaf acted as a suicide bomber. She was found dead at the scene, while the minister was taken to Banadir Hospital
Banadir Hospital
The Banadir Maternity & Children Hospital is a teaching hospital in the Wadajir District of Mogadishu, Somalia. Built in 1977 as part of a Chinese development project, it became the nexus of a humanitarian crisis in 2011. The hospital comprises a maternity unit and a pediatric unit....
where he later was pronounced dead from the injuries sustained from the bomb. al-Shabaab however claimed responsibility for the attack and claim the bomb that detonated was planted under the ministers bed in his home.
In beginning of June there was a political crises between President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and the Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden
Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden
Sheikh Sharif Hassan Adan is a Somali politician. He is a former Finance Minister of Somalia, and the current Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament...
with ended with the "Kampala accord" on 9th June. During this time the offensive seem to have halted as the market has been beseiged from three sides. AMISOM announced that taking complete control over Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
could take as long as until October 2011.
Casualties during the Bakara offensive
| AMISOM | SNA Military of Somalia The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted... | ASWJ Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a or ASWJ is a Somali paramilitary group consisting of moderate Sufis opposed to the radical islamist group Al-Shabaab. They are fighting to prevent strict sharia and Wahhabism from being imposed on Somalia and protecting the country's Sunni-Sufi traditions and generally... | al-Shabaab | Civilian Civilian A civilian under international humanitarian law is a person who is not a member of his or her country's armed forces or other militia. Civilians are distinct from combatants. They are afforded a degree of legal protection from the effects of war and military occupation... |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Killed | 16 | 20 | 6 | 39 | 79 |
| Wounded | 18 | 23 | 81 |
(12th May - 11th June)
July
On 1st July AMISOM confirmed that another 3,000 soldiers from UPDFUganda People's Defence Force
The Uganda Peoples Defence Force , previously the National Resistance Army, is the armed forces of Uganda. The International Institute for Strategic Studies estimates the UPDF has a total strength of 40–45,000, and consists of land forces and an Air Wing.The IISS Military Balance 2007 says there...
had arrived in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
.
16 people was killed in battle when al-Shabaab attacked a SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
/AMISOM convoy in northern parts of Yaqshid district on 3rd July. Another 27 people was injured in the fighting that followed.
SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
and AMISOM attacked Bangaria village in Hodan district and captured it from al-Shabaab on 5th July. 5 civilians were killed during the fighting.
At least 7 SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers was killed on 10th July in heavy fighting that followed after al-Shabaab insurgence attacked a SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
base in Ex-Control Afgoye Street.
10 SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers and nine al-Shabaab militants were killed during an armed encounter as the fighters attacked the Gashandhiga military base on 16th July.
On July 29, SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
attacked al-Shabaab in Yaqshid and sized an al-Shabaab position. Then AMISOM shelled the previous al-Shabaab position believing it was manned by al-Shabaab. At least 30 SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers were killed in the shelling. 37 al-Shabaab fighters were also killed in clashes.
August
On August 1 at 7:30 pm, MPMember of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
Kalif Jire Warfa (aged 54) was gunned down and killed as he left Maruwas mosque
Mosque
A mosque is a place of worship for followers of Islam. The word is likely to have entered the English language through French , from Portuguese , from Spanish , and from Berber , ultimately originating in — . The Arabic word masjid literally means a place of prostration...
in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. Two armed men shot him six times in both head and shoulder killing him instantly. Both killers escaped the scene. al-Shabaab later claimed responsibility for the assassination
Assassination
To carry out an assassination is "to murder by a sudden and/or secret attack, often for political reasons." Alternatively, assassination may be defined as "the act of deliberately killing someone, especially a public figure, usually for hire or for political reasons."An assassination may be...
.
In the beginning of August at least 4 civilians were killed by snipers at Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
. The area had been almost deserted after heavy battles have raged the area and snipers could be seen on most of the rooftops in the area.
After becoming under increased pressure from SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
and AMISOM several al-Shabaab leaders including Fuad Mohamed Qalaf
Fuad Mohamed Qalaf
Fuad Mohamed Qalaf , also known as Fuad Shangole, is a Somali-Swedish militant Islamist. He was a senior leader of the now defunct Islamic Courts Union , and is currently a senior leader of its successor al-Shabaab.-Biography:...
and Omar Shafik Hammami fled from Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
on August 4. al-Shabaab almost completely left the bases in Suqa Holaha, Tawakal Village and Daynile.
When aid was to be delivered to IDPs
Internally displaced person
An internally displaced person is someone who is forced to flee his or her home but who remains within his or her country's borders. They are often referred to as refugees, although they do not fall within the current legal definition of a refugee. At the end of 2006 it was estimated there were...
at Badbaado camp in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
on August 5 at least 7 civilians were killed. The fighting started after SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers tried to loot the aid and IDPs
Internally displaced person
An internally displaced person is someone who is forced to flee his or her home but who remains within his or her country's borders. They are often referred to as refugees, although they do not fall within the current legal definition of a refugee. At the end of 2006 it was estimated there were...
tried to prevent it.
During the night from Friday to Saturday, August 6, al-Shabaab abandoned all areas in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. This move came after heavy fighting on August 5, which included some of the most intensive firepower used by AMISOM. SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
and AMISOM had penetrated Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
and closed in on the Mogadiscio Stadium
Mogadiscio Stadium
Mogadiscio Stadium is the national stadium of Somalia. It is located in the nation's capital, Mogadishu.-History and usage:The stadium was constructed during the Siad Barre administration, with the assistance of Chinese engineers...
which had been al-Shabaab's main base in the capital. al-Shabaab fighters fled in small cars from all areas and some left their weapons and al-Shabaab uniform to slip into civilian dresses. al-Shabaab leaders Sheikh Mukhtar Robow and Hassan Dahir Aweys are believed to have fled to Bakool
Bakool
-Overiew:It is bordered by the Ogaden and the Somalian regions of Hiiraan, Bay and Gedo.Bakool, like Gedo and Bay, as well as most parts of the Jubbada Dhexe region, used to be a part of the old Upper Region, which was subdivided in the mid 1980s...
region of Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
.
On the morning of Saturday 6 SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
and AMISOM were in control of most of the areas abandoned by al-Shabaab including Bakaara market
Bakaara Market
The Bakaara Market is an open market in Mogadishu, Somalia, and the largest in the nation. The name Bakaaraha derives from the Somali word for grain silo or storage, baqaar.The market was created in late 1972 during the reign of Mohamed Siad Barre...
, Mogadiscio Stadium
Mogadiscio Stadium
Mogadiscio Stadium is the national stadium of Somalia. It is located in the nation's capital, Mogadishu.-History and usage:The stadium was constructed during the Siad Barre administration, with the assistance of Chinese engineers...
and the avenues Sodonka and Warshadaha. That same day, President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said that al-Shabaab had been completely expelled from Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
.
al-Shabaab militants attacked SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
army bases in Dayniile district. Nine people was killed and 13 were injured in the attack. The following day al-Shabaab launched new attacks on SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
in Yaqshid district. Two SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers where killed and two other injured. Later that day a car full of explosives blew up in the outskirts of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
leaving 14 people dead and 20 injured. On August 9th al-Shabaab attacked AMISOM bases in Abdiaziz district. Dour were killed and five injured.
On August 14, al-Shabaab declared they would switch from conventional tactics to hit and run attacks and vowed to continue such attacks, claiming they inflicted more casualties on AMISOM that way. The following day al-Shabaab claimed the tactic to be successful and to have killed one AMISOM soldier from Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
.
AMISOM and SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
continued to advance in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
, and took control over Hotel Ramadan, Hotel Kaah, Ex-mali TV center, Towfik junction, Towfik market, Ahmed Gurey School and Jungle on August 16. They encountered some resistance from al-Shabaab fighters, but they were quickly overrun.
Three employees (a nurse, a logistic officer and a driver) of Daynile Hospital in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
were kidnapped by al-Shabaab in the Huriwa district on 17 August. Seven people and 15 were injured in fighting between AMISOM/SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
and al-Shabaab.
At least three people were killed and six injured when SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
clashed in Dharkenly district of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
on 20 August. The fighting started after disagreement on the taxation at a check-point and looting of aid supplies.
Fuad Mohamed Qalaf
Fuad Mohamed Qalaf
Fuad Mohamed Qalaf , also known as Fuad Shangole, is a Somali-Swedish militant Islamist. He was a senior leader of the now defunct Islamic Courts Union , and is currently a senior leader of its successor al-Shabaab.-Biography:...
spoke at a mosque in Eelasha-Biyaha district of Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
on 21 August. He announced that al-Shabaab would assassinate those who support TFG and civilian
Civilian
A civilian under international humanitarian law is a person who is not a member of his or her country's armed forces or other militia. Civilians are distinct from combatants. They are afforded a degree of legal protection from the effects of war and military occupation...
s would not be spared. The same day six civilians were injured in a grenade attack aimed at a SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
foot patrol at the Dabakayo-Madow village in the Dharkenyley district. al-Shabaab is the prime suspected as the bomber escaped from the scene. Three civilians were injured when al-Shabaab attacked a SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
base in Dharkinley district with hand granades.
al-Shabaab attacked SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
bases in Yaqshid district on 23rd August. Three people were killed and the injured. The following day the Somali Police Force
Somali Police Force
The Somali Police Force is the national police force and the main civil law enforcement agency of Somalia.-History:In 1960, the British Somaliland Scouts joined with the Police Corps of Somalia to form a new Somali Police Force, which consisted of about 3,700 men...
arrested three men carrying explosives in Dharkinley district.
On 27th August, al-Shabaab attacked AMISOM and SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
on several locations in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. Ten people was killed and 15 injured. Soldiers from SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
foiled a suicide attack at KM4 captureing a car full of explosives.
900 SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers graduated from Bihanga Military training School in Bihanga, Uganda
Uganda
Uganda , officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Uganda is also known as the "Pearl of Africa". It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by...
on 31 August.
September
On September 2, the 39-year-old Malaysian camera operatorCamera operator
A camera operator or cameraman is a professional operator of a film or video camera. In filmmaking, the leading cameraman is usually called a cinematographer, while a cameraman in a video production may be known as a television camera operator, video camera operator, or videographer, depending on...
Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, who was working for Malaysia's national Bernama TV
Bernama TV
Bernama TV is a 24 hour international news and current affairs television network in Malaysia. It is owned by Bernama, a government news agency. The service places emphasis on decidedly right-leaning and pro-government content and views...
, was shot and killed and fellow journalist
Journalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
and camera operator Aji Saregar Mazlan from TV3 (Malaysia)
TV3 (Malaysia)
Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad or TV3 began broadcasting on 1 June 1984 as Malaysia’s first commercial television station. It is part of Media Prima Berhad group of companies. It now transmits opened broadcasting business private 24-hours a day, 7 days a week since 1 January 2010...
was wounded. The incident happened on Shakhala road, at the Kilometer Four intersection. It was four AMISOM soldiers from Burundi
Burundi
Burundi , officially the Republic of Burundi , is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura...
that opened fire on their vehicle, which was being escorted by soldiers from SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
.
In August TFG decided to remove all checkpoints in and around Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
. Fighting broke out when soldiers of SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
were to remove a checkpoint in Wadajir district on 2 September. Shortly after the fighting started soldiers from AMISOM arrived and restored order. The checkpoint were run by militia loyal to Ahmed Da'i, the districk commissioner of Wadajir. Four people including two SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers where killed and six was wounded.
al-Shabaab gunmen attacked SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
soldiers on patrol in Wadajir district on 4 September. At least 13 people was killed in the attack that lasted for two hours.
al-Shabaab attacked SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
and AMISOM bases in the former defense ministry, Gulwadayaasha military camp, Jale Siyad faculty and Ex-control Afgoye junction on 9th September. Three people were killed and five sustained injuries.
On September 8, a soldier from SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
started to shoot at IDP
Internally displaced person
An internally displaced person is someone who is forced to flee his or her home but who remains within his or her country's borders. They are often referred to as refugees, although they do not fall within the current legal definition of a refugee. At the end of 2006 it was estimated there were...
s in the Waberi district. Six civilians were killed and three people was injured. The soldier was arrested at the scene.
October
On october 20th Soldiers from SNAMilitary of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
and AMISOM entered Daynile, the last district in Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
that was under the control of al-Shabaab. The offensive started well with little resistance. As they advanced into the Daynile district al-Shabaab sealed off their retreat route and opened fire with rifles, belt-fed machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. A Burundian peacekeeper, Cpl. Arcade Arakaza later said: -It was a classic envelope trap, with the Shabab drawing the peacekeepers deeper into their lair, sealing off the escape routes and then closing in from all sides. SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
and AMISOM managed to fight back and capture the Daynile police station. In the evening al-Shabaab reinforced with fighters from Lower Shabelle, Bay
Bay, Somalia
Bay is an administrative region in southern Somalia.-Overview:It is bordered by the Somalian regions of Bakool, Lower Shabele, Middle Juba and Gedo....
and Bakool
Bakool
-Overiew:It is bordered by the Ogaden and the Somalian regions of Hiiraan, Bay and Gedo.Bakool, like Gedo and Bay, as well as most parts of the Jubbada Dhexe region, used to be a part of the old Upper Region, which was subdivided in the mid 1980s...
launched a counter-attack re-captured the strategic important Daynile police station. The following day AMISOM sent reinforcements to the area and heavy fighting continued. When the battle was over more than 70 soldier from AMISOM (mostly Burundi
Burundi
Burundi , officially the Republic of Burundi , is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura...
) had been killed and the Daynile district had fallen in the hands of SNA
Military of Somalia
The Military of Somalia was, up until 1991, made up of the army, navy, air force, and air defense command. The outbreak of the Somali Civil War during that year led to the de facto dissolution of the national armed forces. However, efforts to re-establish a regular armed force by a re-constituted...
and AMISOM. At least 60 of the AMISOM soldiers killed in the ambush were put on display by al-Shabaabs spokesperson Ali Mohamud Rage in the Alamada area, 18 km outside Mogadishu
Mogadishu
Mogadishu , popularly known as Xamar, is the largest city in Somalia and the nation's capital. Located in the coastal Benadir region on the Indian Ocean, the city has served as an important port for centuries....
.