Region | Somalia

Fighters take up positions across Mogadishu

More than 1,000 Islamist fighters were deployed to a strategic camp north of Mogadishu yesterday witnesses said, sparking fears of a new offensive against warlords.

  • Reuters
  • Published: 00:00 June 12, 2006
  • Gulf News

Mogadishu: More than 1,000 Islamist fighters were deployed to a strategic camp north of Mogadishu yesterday witnesses said, sparking fears of a new offensive against warlords.

Islamic forces captured the Somali capital Mogadishu a week ago from a self-styled anti-terrorism alliance of warlords, widely believed to be backed by the United States, after three months of fighting.

It was unclear whether the latest deployment was part of moves to drive out remaining warlords from the capital or to stage an attack on Jowhar, the last warlord stronghold, 60km further north.

Armed with mortars and heavy anti-aircraft guns, the fighters arrived at the Hiilweyne military camp, 7 km from Balad, witnesses said. The fighters already control Balad, 30km outside Mogadishu.

"Huge militia groups were gathered in Hiilweyne this morning. It's possible this could reignite war," Hussain Abdi, a resident in Balad, said by telephone.

More than 300 people, mainly civilians, have been killed in the battle for power in Mogadishu, with hundreds more wounded.

President Abdullahi Yousuf's government has been careful to welcome the victory in Mogadishu over warlords, who many blame for undermining it, and is in talks with Islamist leaders to secure their support.

But analysts say it is unclear whether the fighters would return government to Mogadishu before seizing other key towns.

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