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Hiiraan Online
Saturday, May 23, 2009
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) claims it has achieved its objectives in its offensive against insurgents in Mogadishu. The offensive started yesterday after the TFG attacked bases occupied by Islamic insurgents who are trying to overthrow the TFG.
In a press conference, the TFG Defence Minister Prof. Mohamed Abdi Gandi said that the TFG troops were able to reach areas controlled by insurgents and that TFG troops will gradually and systematically expand its military operations until they restore security and peace to Mogadishu.
“Government troops were able to expand their operations to areas that were under the control of insurgent forces and were even able to reach areas which were not in plan of the operation but were asked to limit their operation to the areas in the plan” said the Defence Minister who added that the current military operation of the TFG is aimed at restoring peace and security to Mogadishu and removing insurgents from the city.
“We will take all measures possible to minimize civilian casualties and collateral damage and I call on the Somali people to support the TFG forces” said the TFG Defence Minister.
Forces from the two sides, however, are still facing one another in several areas including Wadnaha Street which indicates that recent clashes have not yet produced a clear winner.