Written by TML Staff
Published Monday, September 11, 2006
Published Monday, September 11, 2006
As the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia tries to negotiate towards cooperation with the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), there are indications of renewed clashes near the border with Ethiopia, the daily Al-‘Arab reports.
The clashes are taking place in Hiran Province, where the governor of Hiran, Yousuf Ahmad Dabghid, is trying to re-conquer the city of Baldawin from the ICU. The number of casualties is not yet clear. Earlier this year Dabghid escaped to neighboring Ethiopia, when the ICU forces conquered parts of Hiran. Reports earlier this year indicated that the Ethiopian army sent soldiers to Somalia in order to help the TFG in its fighting against the ICU.
Meanwhile, the British daily Observer reported Sunday that it had obtained evidence according to which the CIA had knowledge of plans to run covert military operations in support of the TFG. The Observer‘s report referred to e-mails dated June 2006 that revealed how American firms planned undercover missions against the ICU. The information also hinted at the involvement of British security firms.
The TFG and the ICU both signed an agreement last Monday, according to which a joint army was to be established. The two sides are supposed to reconvene on October 30 to further discuss political and security power sharing.
Source: The MidEast News Source, Sept 11, 2006
