Troops from Comoros National Army supported by African Union (AU) soldiers staged an amphibious landing early today on the island of Anjouan with aim of removing the rebel government of Mohammed Bacar.

Bacar had installed himself as president of Anjouan after an election last year which was later declared illegal by the Comoros highest court. His flouting of the court order led to a constitutional impasse and when talks failed to resolve the disput, the national government lead by Ahmed Sambi began preparations to remove him by force.

With support provided the AU in form of troops from Sudan, Tanzania and Senegal and logistic support from Libya the Comoros army began its assault this morning. Agency reports indicate the troop’s quickly seized most of the islands meeting little resistance from the approximately 300 rebel soldiers on Anjouan.

Troops were able to quickly take control of the port, airport and most of the capital Mutsamudu. The Comoran and AU troops also seized the presidential palace but it is not clear of the whereabouts of Bacar. There have been reports of sporadic gunfire but it would seem that the invasion has largely been successful and would be a boost to both the Comoran government and the African Union