Posted on 06/05/2006 11:49:53 AM PDT by WmShirerAdmirer
MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Islamic militia appeared to control Mogadishu on Monday after winning a bloody three-month battle against warlords who have run the Somali capital for 15 years.
The warlords are widely believed to be covertly backed by a U.S. administration concerned, according to former U.S. intelligence officials, that Islamist rulers could provide a save haven for al Qaeda akin to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Many fled on Monday to other parts of Somalia or neighbouring Kenya.
The Islamic side, which supports sharia courts in Mogadishu, announced they controlled the city in radio broadcasts and public meetings. Both residents and some members of the warlords' own militia said the city was in Islamic hands.
"The era of warlords in Somalia is over," resident Mohamed Asser said. "This morning Mogadishu is under only one hand, the Islamic courts."
The chaos in Mogadishu, battered by weeks of artillery duels, made it difficult to verify Islamic control of the city.
If confirmed, it would be the first time control of all of the city had been wrested from Somalia's powerful warlords since they ousted dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, ushering in years of extreme violence and anarchy.
Around 350 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in street battles since February between the Islamic militia and a self-styled anti-terrorism coalition of warlords.
Many analysts view the violence as a proxy war between the United States and Islamic militants. Many Somalis have moved to the Islamic side because of Washington's perceived support for the warlords, residents say.
John Prendergast, who monitors Somalia for the think-tank International Crisis Group, said he had learned from warlord alliance members in Somalia that the CIA was financing them with cash payments of $100,000 to $150,000 per month.
U.S. intelligence has produced no firm evidence of active al Qaeda presence in Somalia, experts said in Washington. But there have been reports of al Qaeda members in the country, including suspects in the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in East Africa.
Sharia courts have gained popularity by restoring a semblance of order to parts of the chaotic capital.
"The Islamic courts announced they are in control of Mogadishu. They said they would work with residents to improve security in the capital," resident Ali Abdikadir told Reuters by telephone after attending a public meeting.
"This is good news for us because the warlords were always engaged in battles, we are looking forward to a life without fighting," he added.
Ali Nur, a warlord coalition militiaman, said members of the alliance were now fleeing. "We have no immediate plans. Most of our leaders have fled Mogadishu to Jowhar," he said.
After the latest battle on Sunday, in which 18 people died, the Islamic militia took control of the strategic town of Balad, 30 km (20 miles) from Mogadishu.
The town controls the supply route from the warlord stronghold of Jowhar further north.
The Islamic fighters followed up on Monday by taking Dayniile, the last warlord stronghold in the capital.
RESIDENTS HOPE FOR CALM
Residents said Dayniile was taken without a fight. The area was a stronghold of top warlord Mohamed Qanyare, who left two days ago after local elders ordered him out to stop battles with mortars, rockets and anti-aircraft artillery that have caused heavy civilian casualties.
"The city is calm and we hope it will stay that way," 19-year old resident Samira Jama said.
Abdirahman Dinari, spokesman for Somalia's interim government, said he hoped for talks soon with the Islamic side.
"I hope the Islamic courts will realize the importance of the government and talk to us. We are ready to talk to them in order to prevent further suffering of the innocent Somali people," he told Reuters by telephone.
The government, based in the southern city of Baidoa, has been too weak to stop the fighting or enter the capital.
Fearing more fighting, the U.N. pulled staff out of Jowhar, which could be the next target for the Islamic side.
"There are fears of attacks in Jowhar and defense lines have been tightened," a U.N. security expert told Reuters.
Washington has not commented on persistent reports that it is covertly funnelling large sums of money to the warlords. But it says it will work with anyone combating terrorism.
The interim government late on Sunday sacked four warlord ministers, including Qanyare
Slick Willie, the gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks again Bill.
The new Afghanistan...
Bile? How Appropo.
Say hello to more refugees.
I hope the skinnys enjoy Sharia. Reap what you have sewn.
Civil war, war lords, then Taliban.
The evolution repeats itself.
Agree w/ you. Read other 31+ replies to the posting of similar news from other media outlets and it appears to be Afghanistan (Taliban with Al Qaeda as most favored guest) all over again. Warlords obviously don't have the panache (sarcasm) nor power they did back in the nineties. Where's the greed too nowdays? Is religion more powerful than greed?
Question for all: Hey, did the CIA see this one coming?
Wonder which side the Somali's in Bangor Maine are rooting for?
Nuke the Dish
Somalia: Qanyare Leaves the Capital to Enforce Fellow Members in Bal'ad
All Africa.com
June 5, 2006, Mustafa Haji, Mogadishu
Mohamed Qanyare Afrah, Somalia Home security minister and Anti Terror Alliance member has left his home at the Southern part of the Capital Mogadishu after receiving reports indicating imminent attack on his base.
Reliable sources close to the minister told Shabelle Radio that he left for Jowhar town some 90 KMS north of Mogadishu.
Qanyare left Deyniile with 15 armed vehicles last night heading to Bal'ad where his colleagues are based to defeat Islamic Courts.
The heaviest war preparation is taking place around Bal'ad where well armed militiamen from the Islamic courts are intensifying to take control but Anti terror Alliance militiamen are also keeping their de fence positions around Bal'ad, sources confirmed.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200606050571.html
Note: italicized words, the CIA must have known right?
Somalia: Anti Terror Alliance Lost Mogadishu Control After Their Militiamen Gave in Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)
June 5, 2006,Mustafa Haji,Mogadishu
The Islamic Courts have taken control of Mogadishu Deyniile neighborhood and the armed militiamen controlled by the once strong minister Mohamed Qanyare Afrah who has been fighting against the Islamic Courts in Mogadishu.
Husein Gutale Rage, spokesman for the Anti terror Alliance in Mogadishu and Garam-Garam, chief Commander of the militiamen loyal to Mohamed Qanyare have participated an event this morning by which 25 armed vehicles as well as other machine guns confiscated by the Islamic Courts from the Anti terror Alliance.
The armed militiamen who fought for the Security minister for the past months have given in this morning after they have been defeated during last clashes in the Capital, Shabelle correspondent at Deynile district reported.
Shabelle reporters at Deynile neighborhood where the event of confiscation took place this Morning indicated that all armed vehicles belonged to Mohamed Qanyare are now under the Control Islamic Courts after he was defeated.
Mohamed Qanyare, a former government minister and strong warlord has left Mogadishu after his own clan demanded to do so, in order to protect hundreds of lives.
The fighting in Mogadishu which left 350 people dead started when 9 strong armed ministers and businessmen announced the Anti Terror Alliance secular and after four months of heavy fighting inside and out side the Capital the warlords are defeated.
The defeat is also a serious blow to the United States that supported the warlords to fight what they called Terrorism in the Capital.
No, but Satan's personal religion is more powerful than greed for sure.
You mean Lewiston, Maine. And, the answer is NOT our side.
I have some friends in the military who would love for al Qaeda to go into Somalia. Just the excuse they would need to flatten Somalia like a bug. Still a lot of resentment about the Blackhawk Down incident.
In light of recent events, here's an article that's a real hoot....
"Stateless in Somalia, and Loving It (Somalia)
by Yumi Kim (http://www.mises.org/story/2066)
Writen in February this year. Somalia is held as a model "stateless" State in the eyes of the Ludwig von Misses Institute........libertarians.
Thanks for the lead on to the article, especially enjoyed what the CIA factbook admits: (paraphrasing here) "land of milk and honey for telecommunications, electronic gadgets and food goods")and strangely enough Somalia seems to be the one thing the BBC and the CIA agree on.
Thanks again.
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