The contingent of African Union troops (AMISOM) have made new military bases at the former Somali business bank in Mogadishu’s northern Shangani district, witnesses and officials told Garowe Online.

Residents reported that contingent of AMISOM troops arrived at the bank early on Saturday with their battle wagons and other machinery. The troops have also moved to the nearby Uroba hotel.

“The troops moved in and started cleaning the place. They warned people of closing in the area which connects Shangani to Hamarweyne and frequently used by civilians,” said a resident.

“The move left us with a lot of worries because the troops have several battle wagons and the place is near the insurgent held areas, so we are fearing for any possible attack,” said   

Officials from local Banadir authority said the move was counterinsurgency measures that would enable the transition government to maintain peace and order in the area.

"Stones were used to barricade the road to bar vehicles, it is part of the government plans to keep peace and order in the areas under its control,” said a government official.  

The area was formerly used by internally displaced people, who were forced to vacate to make way for the troops deployment.

It is the first time for AMISOM troops to establish a military base in north of the capital, where the reign of insurgents flourish.

Some 5,300 AU troops, mainly from Uganda and Burundi are the only foreign force in the war-torn country that deployed in March 2007 as part of UN-backed efforts to stabilize Somalia and shore up support for the fragile internationally recognized Somali transitional federal government in Mogadishu.

The embattled peacekeepers are however restricted in guarding the presidential palace and few strategic sites such as airport and seaport in Mogadishu.