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AU Announces Progress Against Somali Militants in Mogadishu

   VOA News  June 04, 2011
   A Somali government soldier patrols on foot during clashes with
   Islamist insurgents in southern Mogadishu's Bakara market neighborhood,
   June 2, 2011

Photo: AP

   A Somali government soldier patrols on foot during clashes with
   Islamist insurgents in southern Mogadishu's Bakara market neighborhood,
   June 2, 2011

   The African Union says it is making progress against militants for
   control of Somalia's capital.
   Officials said Saturday African Union and pro-government troops had
   recaptured strategic districts in Mogadishu from al-Shabab insurgents.
   Al-Shabab is trying to overthrow the United Nations-backed government
   and set up a strict Islamic state. The al-Qaida-linked group has
   controlled much of the capital and large sections of central and
   southern Somalia for at least three years.
   However, government and African Union forces have retaken parts of
   Mogadishu in an offensive that began in February.
   Earlier this week, Somali government troops backed by African Union
   peacekeepers were trying to take Mogadishu's Bakara market at the
   center of Mogadishu's business district.
   Medical officials said heavy fighting between the two sides Thursday
   killed at least 17 people and wounded at least 40 more.