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Soldiers of the Kenyan Contingent serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) are seen in Saa'moja, approximately 7km (4.3 miles) outside the Somali port city of Kismayu in this October 1, 2012 handout photograph released by the African Uni
African Union troops, tanks enter Kismayu: Somali army
African Union troops, tanks enter Kismayu: Somali army
Posted : Tuesday, 02 October 2012 06:59AM

MOGADISHU (Reuters) - African Union troops backed by tanks entered the former al Shabaab stronghold of Kismayu on Tuesday for the first time since the al Qaeda-linked militants fled the port city after a surprise offensive by Kenyan and Somali troops.

Residents said the troops opened fire in the air to disperse people who had gathered to watch the tanks rolling into the city.

"AU tanks and Somali military vehicles have taken positions in Kismayu, people have welcomed us," General Ismail Sahardiid, the commander of Somali government forces told Reuters.

(Reporting by Abdi Shekih; Writing by James Macharia)

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