Radical Islamists', Al-Qaeda Sympathizers' Attack Ends Somalia Truce
Jim Kouri, CPP
May 19, 2006
Since the 11 September attacks on the United States more than four years ago, Somalis have feared that their lawless country could become the setting for a battle between US-backed anti-terror forces and Al-Qaeda sympathizers.
Six more people were killed in the Somali capital of Mogadishu when radical Islamist gunmen launched an attack on a local a warlord, breaking a three-day truce. The attack occurred at the same time as a rally intended to call for peace, following the death of at least 140 people.
Hundreds of demonstrators, guarded by Islamist gunmen, started chanting anti-US slogans, accusing the US of backing the alliance of warlords. Some civil-rights groups boycotted the event, saying it had been "hijacked" by fanatics.
A compound belonging to warlord Mohamed Omar Habeb Dheere north of Mogadishu was overrun by the Islamist gunmen.
Reuters news agency reports that Dheere had arrived from his base in Jowhar over the weekend to back the warlords' Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism.
The US says it has not violated the arms embargo on Somalia but has said it would work with those who can help "prevent Somalia becoming a safe haven for terrorists." It's believed members or associates of Al-Qaeda are still in the war-torn African country
British international development minister Hilary Benn, who is in Somalia on a previously unannounced visit, said he was aware of allegations the US was funding warlords, but he dismisses the accusations.
"I haven't seen any evidence myself," he told the
The Somali government is based in the small town of Baidoa, three hours from the capital, Mogadishu. It has not moved to Mogadishu because of security concerns, and controls only a small part of the country.
Mr. Benn, who met the president and prime minister, says Britain will be offering international support for attempts to end the anarchy. Somalia has not had an effective national authority for 15 years since the ousting of President Siad Barre in 1991.
Six more people were killed in the Somali capital of Mogadishu when radical Islamist gunmen launched an attack on a local a warlord, breaking a three-day truce. The attack occurred at the same time as a rally intended to call for peace, following the death of at least 140 people.
Hundreds of demonstrators, guarded by Islamist gunmen, started chanting anti-US slogans, accusing the US of backing the alliance of warlords. Some civil-rights groups boycotted the event, saying it had been "hijacked" by fanatics.
A compound belonging to warlord Mohamed Omar Habeb Dheere north of Mogadishu was overrun by the Islamist gunmen.
Reuters news agency reports that Dheere had arrived from his base in Jowhar over the weekend to back the warlords' Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism.
The US says it has not violated the arms embargo on Somalia but has said it would work with those who can help "prevent Somalia becoming a safe haven for terrorists." It's believed members or associates of Al-Qaeda are still in the war-torn African country
British international development minister Hilary Benn, who is in Somalia on a previously unannounced visit, said he was aware of allegations the US was funding warlords, but he dismisses the accusations.
"I haven't seen any evidence myself," he told the
The Somali government is based in the small town of Baidoa, three hours from the capital, Mogadishu. It has not moved to Mogadishu because of security concerns, and controls only a small part of the country.
Mr. Benn, who met the president and prime minister, says Britain will be offering international support for attempts to end the anarchy. Somalia has not had an effective national authority for 15 years since the ousting of President Siad Barre in 1991.
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