MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s Defence Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has inaugurated a vital bridge in Lower Shabelle, months after it was destroyed during intense fighting between government forces and Al-Shabab militants.
The structure – in the Sabid and Anole area, about 50km west of Mogadishu – was unveiled on Saturday in a ceremony attended by senior government and military officials, along with Turkish diplomats. Authorities say the bridge is crucial for reconnecting the capital with key agricultural towns in the fertile Lower Shabelle region.
Speaking at the reopening, Somali officials said the restored link would help revive local commerce, improve the movement of security forces, and ease the transport of farm produce into Mogadishu.
The bridge was demolished earlier this year as Al-Shabab fighters retreated amid a joint Somali and African Union counter-offensive. The campaign, backed by US and Turkish air support, saw weeks of airstrikes and artillery bombardments. Much of the town was left in ruins as allied forces pushed to dislodge the insurgents.
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