Kenya’s military reports that African Union forces have launched an assault and control large parts of Kismayo, the biggest city still held by Islamic extremists. Operation “Sledge Hammer” launched at 2 a.m. local time.
Local witnesses told the Associated Press that the troops captured the port but that Al-Qaeda related extremists from Al-Shabab controlled other parts of the city. The city is the major source of revenue for the terrorist group as they assess “taxes” on all imported items. Continue reading →
Somali citizens are fleeing the city of Kismayo, the key stronghold of the Islamist group al-Shabab, as government forces close in on the city and defeat major pockets of terrorist resistance.
A general in the Somali army told the BBC they plan to take the port but did not give a timetable for the assault. Continue reading →
A homicide bomber attacked a hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia in an attempt to assassinate the country’s new President who had been staying at the hotel.
The bomber and four of the President’s security team were killed during the attack.
Al-Qaeda affiliated group Al-Shabab claimed credit for the attack. Continue reading →
Save The Children has issued a statement saying that drought and continuing conflicts in Somalia threatens the recovery from famine in the country.
The charity group says an “urgent increase” of aid is needed to the region because most families in Somalia are still unable to deal with the effects of the ongoing drought. East Africa had the worst drought in 60 years in 2011 and the drought conditions continue. Attacks by Islamic terrorist groups are also weakening the food supply. Continue reading →
Kenya’s prime minister is asking the United States and European Union to send troops for a “final onslaught” against a seaport seen as the main stronghold of Islamist militant group al-Shabab.
“An operation by land, sea and air,” Raila Odinga stated when asked about what would be required to take the city of Kismayo from the Islamists. Continue reading →
Islamist fighters killed five people in Somalia an attacks on government forces.
Al Shabab has retreated from view but the Islamic group has continued it’s attacks on government forces. The group placed bombs under a tree just north of the city and lobbed a grenade into a market area in Bakara.
The Islamists control most of the country. The government and African Union troops control the capital city of Mogadishu.
