Ethiopian tanks move into battle with Somalia Islamists
Dec 22, 2006 (BAIDOA) — Ethiopia moved tanks and other reinforcements into the battle zone for a third day of fighting against Islamist forces in southern Somalia, witnesses said, while the Islamists vowed an all-out war.
As the clashes intensified on twin fronts, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that fighting had left “dozens” dead and left many homeless.
But the government said its Ethiopian-backed forces had killed more than 500 Islamist fighters ince Wednesday when violence erupted near the government-held town of Baidoa.
“We are very concerned about the plight of civilians who might get caught up in the fighting,” said Pascal Hundt, the ICRC’s chief for Somalia.
“We call on all parties involved in the clashes to spare and protect civilians and to take every precaution when conducting military operations,” he said in a statement.
The ICRC urged rival sides “to ensure that wounded and captured fighters are protected and receive treatment and that medical staff, hospitals and clinics are spared from attacks.”
Hospitals and clinics in the region had admitted at least 200 wounded since Wednesday, the ICRC said.
Somali Information Minister Ali Jama said fatalities were reported on two fronts east and south of the Baidoa, about 250 kilometres (155 miles) northwest of the capital Mogadishu.
“The combined total from two fronts is over 500 Islamists killed since Wednesday,” Jama told AFP.
The figure could not be independently verified.
“Most of those killed are innocent children who have been sent to the frontline. It is unfortunate because we have been forced into this … we do not like shedding the blood of children,” Jama added.
Fighting erupted early Wednesday, hours after the expiry of an Islamist-imposed ultimatum for thousands of Ethiopian troops the Islamists say have been deployed to back the government.
“Our Mujahideen are ready to defend themselves from the invading enemies,” Islamic commander Hassan Bullow told AFP.
“This war is a religious obligation and we are here to fight for our religion against the enemies until we die.”
Ethiopia is supporting Somalia’s weakened government against the Islamist forces, which control the capital Mogadishu and much of the rest of the war-ravaged Horn of Africa nation.
The two sides traded heavy shellfire on Friday east and south of Baidoa, the government said.
“The fighting is continuing heavily on both fronts,” Jama told AFP.
“Much fighting is taking place, mainly in Idale and Dinsoor,” he added, referring to outposts about 60 kilometres (40 miles) and 120 kilometres south of Baidoa.
In central Somalia, residents said Ethiopian military trucks headed to Sadehigle, outside the Muslim-held town of Bandiradley, about 630 kilometers (400 miles) north of Mogadishu, sparking fears of possible clashes.
Witnesses said Ethiopian tanks traveled overnight to Daynunay, a flashpoint garrison town about 30 kilometres to the east of Baidoa, where shelling was reported.
Clashes erupted on Wednesday, a day after the expiry of a deadline issued by the Islamists for Ethiopian troops to pull out.
The Islamists have complained about the silence of the Arab League and African Union over the dispute.
“Why are they ignoring what is taking place in the ground?” asked Sheikh Mohamoud Ibrahim Sulley, a leading Islamist official.
“The world is silent today while Ethiopian forces are killing us inside our country, but tomorrow when we defeat them and chase them things will be changed, we will inter their territories and at that moment the world will shout,” Sulley warned.
The fighting and war of words have come despite a statement by European Commission humanitarian chief Louis Michel on Wednesday that he had secured the commitment of both sides to observe a truce and resume peace talks.
Arab League-mediated talks in Khartoum collapsed in November when Islamists refused to negotiate until Ethiopia withdraws its troops.
(AFP)