Somalia: Somali and AMISOM forces patrol neighborhoods in Kismayo 1 Oct 1, 2012 - 9:04:18 AM
KISMAYO, Somalia Oct 1 2012 (Garowe Online) – Somali government forces, government backed militia alongside Kenyan troops walked through Kismayo’s north and western neighborhoods on Monday after Al Shabaab reportedly fled the city, Garowe Online reports.
The allied forces walked through Siinay and V-Afmadow neighborhoods and according to local sources control the presidential palace in Kismayo.
According to Kismayo residents, the forces walked through Kismayo without any military vehicles support, patrolling neighborhoods and reportedly taking control of a local police station.
“The forces that entered Kismayo have divided themselves into neighborhoods; some are centered at the local police station, people in Kismayo are still confused,” said Rahmo Omar who spoke to Garowe Online by telephone.
Many residents of Kismayo fear that there will be counter attacks by Al Shabaab who reportedly fled the city on Friday.
Kismayo a port city bustling with business even under Al Shabaab’s control, has seen a halt in business after operations to capture Kismayo intensified.
However many top Somali military officials have stated that they will proceed with operations cautiously as they fear attacks by Al Shabaab.
The allied forces stated that they had not experienced any resistance as of yet, although Al Shabaab have settled in the outskirts of Kismayo.
Al Shabaab has been in control of Kismayo for the past 5 years which was their main source of income throughout their reign of terror in southern Somalia.
GAROWE ONLINE
