Key Somali Bridge Rebuilt After Al-Shabaab Destruction, Boosting Security and Trade

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A key bridge connecting critical supply routes in Somalia was rebuilt after it was destroyed by Al-Shabaab militants, causing stagnation in the movement of goods and services in the Horn of Africa nation, which has been fighting instability.

The bridge was destroyed in June by the militants, but to facilitate expedited movement of goods, people and men in the frontlines, the Turkish government agreed to rebuild it, easing pressure for the struggling federal government of Somalia.

The bridge, located near Sabid and Anole village, is one of five key bridges to verify the Shabelle river that government forces, with support from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)from races fought hard to capture and maintain control.

The bridge is located near the town of Afgoye, about 35km southwest of Mogadishu. Several senior government officials attended the launch while vowing to eliminate the al-Shabaab remnants.

"Minister of Defence H.E. Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and Interior Minister H.E. Ali Yusuf Ali officially inaugurated the reconstructed Sabiid and Anole bridge today," read the statement from the state media.

"Destroyed by terrorists earlier this year, the bridge's restoration marks a crucial step in the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing security, boosting the local economy, and restoring freedom of movement for the region's communities."

In June, the AUSSOM and Somali National Army (SNA) recaptured Anole and Sabid villages and a key bridge after intense fighting. Officials said al-Shabaab blew up structures, including the bridge and a telecommunications mast, as they retreated.

At that time, the troops were planning to take the other two bridges - Awdhegle and Barire. The al-Shabaab fighters have been causing anarchy and chaos in the country as they seek to overthrow the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE