AU Troops Search for Land Mines in Somali Capital

Text of report by Somali independent Radio Gaalkacyo on 7 June

African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] troops, today carried out operations to search for land mines in parts of Mogadishu.

AMISOM troops particularly those from Uganda carried out operations in search of land mines in the areas of Kilometre 4 and Mogadishu stadium this morning.

According to eyewitnesses, the troops were in three battle wagons when they arrived in areas near Mogadishu stadium and Kilometre 4 searching for land mines. Reports indicating that insurgents have buried land mines in these areas to target Ethiopian troops in Mogadishu are said to have prompted the operations.

Sources indicate that not a single land mine was found during the operations.

The use of explosive in attacks launched by anti-government forces has resulted in the displacement of thousands of civilians who live in harsh conditions on the outskirts of the capital.

Originally published by Radio Gaalkacyo, Gaalkacyo, in Somali 1030 7 Jun 08.

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