PRESS RELEASE African Union Troops Capture Marka

PRESS RELEASE

African Union Troops Capture Marka

Somalia troops with the assistance of the African Union Mission Troops, have this morning pushed Al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists out of Marka, the third-largest port in Southern Somalia.
The dawn operation met little resistance as the AMISOM and Somali National Army troops
steadily advanced to Shalamboot and established a defensive position there.

Located 90 kilometres south of Mogadishu, Marka has been under the brutal rule of the
extremists since November 2008. In recent months, many of the al Shabaab’s top
commanders have been fleeing towards the town following a string of defeats by the allied
forces. The capture of Marka is also critical for AMISOM future operations to liberate the city
of Kismayo, the extremists’ largest source of illicit revenue.

This important achievement comes at a critical time for Somalia as the country’s newly
inaugurated Parliament prepares to elect a Speaker and President for the country, and bring
to a close 12 years of transitional governments.
AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti, said the capture of Marka would enhance
security across Somalia by denying the terrorists a base from which to launch attacks.
“AMISOM is committed to supporting the peace process in Somalia and this operation will not
only bring relief to the population in Marka, but will also help in the liberation of Kismayo,” he
said. “Our aim is to ensure that all the people of Somalia can freely participate in the process
of national reconciliation,” he added.
He also urged the population to remain calm and asked for their cooperation as AMISOM
continues to consolidate security within the town.
This leaves Jowhar, 90 kilometres to the north of Mogadishu, as the last remaining stronghold
of the extremists in the regions of Banadir, Lower and Middle Shabelle which comprise Sector
1 of AMISOM area of responsibility.
Since the UN Security Council boosted AMISOM troop numbers to over 17,000, the force has
been expanding outside Mogadishu and has helped the Somali government by providing a
secure environment and recovering more territory, as well as ensuring law, order and justice.
—————————————————————————————————————————–
For more information, please contact
Mr. Eloi Yao, Spokesperson, Email: amisommediacentre@gmail.com