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Somalia: Fresh clashes kill 14 militiamen near Somali capital Sat. June 03, 2006 07:05 pm. -
Mohamed Abdi Farah
(SomaliNet) Heavy clashes are now continuing in northeast outskirt of the capital Somalia, Mogadishu between anti terror alliance and Islamic courts’ union, killing at least fourteen militiamen from both sides. Reports say.
“Fierce gun battle is going on around formerly Hilweine military camp near Balad town of middle Shabelle region, with both rival sides are exchanging artillery gunfire, machine-guns, assault rifles and RPGs” witnesses told Somalinet.
People in the battle area began to flee as the fighting intensified late on Saturday.
The latest battle follows clashes erupted in northeast villages of the capital last week in which Islamic militiamen took the control of main positions from militia of warlords.
However militia loyal to minister of disarmament and rehabilitation of militias Botan Isse Alin with six battlewagons reached in Baidoa town 250km southwest of the capital later today.
Baidoa, is the temporarily capital of the transitional federal government.
The acting-minister of interior and minister of agriculture Mohamed Nor Shati Gadud and chief commander of Somali forces Ali Madobe have welcomed the militia to Baidoa.
It is the first time militia of anti terror alliance defected to Baidoa since its establishment on 18 February 2006
News Category: Somalia
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