Saturday, June 03, 2006
By Mohamed Ali Bile
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – At least eight militiamen were killed on Saturday and a dozen others wounded in clashes between Islamic militia and a self-styled anti-terrorism coalition of warlords near Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, residents said.
Witnesses said the militia, linked to Islamic courts, was trying to seize control of a crucial bridge near Balad town, 30km northeast of Mogadishu, that would enable it to control a major route to the rich agricultural area of Middle Shabelle.
“Before they attack us, we have to move to their areas and seize them as soon as possible,” militia leader Moallim Hashi Mohamed said.
At least 16 people were also killed in clashes overnight on Thursday, pitting Mohamed’s fighters with those from former ally and warlord Muse Sudi Yalahow.
The two were friends but fell out after Mohamed was suspected of shifting allegiance to the Islamic courts.
“Me and Muse Sudi will not live together inside Balad town,” Mohamed told Reuters. Muse Sudi was not available for comment.
Gun battles have broken out following a period of relative calm in the clashes between the Islamic militia and secular bands widely believed to be supported by the United States.
Washington has not commented except to say that it welcomes support in its declared war on terrorism. On Friday thousands of people took to the streets of Mogadishu to condemn Washington.
More than 350 people have been killed in three bouts of heavy fighting since the start of the year that has focused on the capital but has now moved beyond Mogadishu.
Residents said the Islamic courts had the upper hand.
“The Islamic militia are advancing much faster and are seizing more territories,” said Hassan Muke, a resident of Dermole area, some 7 km outside northeastern Mogadishu.
Families were fleeing their homes.
“We took off with my children, and my husband is missing now,” said Mumino Abdi, a mother of four children.
On Friday, the U.N. chief of humanitarian affairs denounced the seizure of a Somali hospital by militiamen as a gross violation of international humanitarian law.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said the Keysaney hospital it funds was commandeered earlier this week by some of the Somali warlords who say they have joined forces to fight terrorism. It is the only hospital in northern Mogadishu treating civilians and wounded fighters.
Source: Reuters, June 3, 2006
