Mogadishu — An Islamist jihadist group calling themselves Youth Islamic Movement claimed responsibility for carrying out attacks against the Somali government troops based in diverse areas in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

In a statement posted on jihadist website in the internet on July 21, the Mujahadeen said: The operation was carried out at different places in the capital of Mogadishu:

• Inside the Bakara market
• Intersection of Bakara
• Intersection of Hawlwadag
• Intersection of Adam Adi
• Jaid Jael area (the tree of love)

These points are considered checkpoints of the apostate police, the statement added.

The statement also indicated that they used light and medium-sized weapons in their fight, promising they would continue their war against what they called "the checkpoints manned by collaborators and the US-backed regime and not against civilians".

Meanwhile the situation in Mogadishu is calm on Monday although Government soldiers who were pulled out of Mogadishu's biggest Bakara market could be seen Monday positioning themselves inside and outside the market where Somali traders were about to open their businesses.

Some of the traders reported that they were very much concerned about their business activities as the soldiers began returning to their former bases inside the market.

"While traders were beginning to open their shops and warehouses early in the morning, troops made their way in to the market," said Mohammed Haji, a kiosk owner.

Somalia's central government collapsed in 1991 when warlords toppled former president, Siad Barre.