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Islamic militiamen capture key positions near Somali capital
 Militia of Islamic courts is reported to have taken the control of other main positions from anti terror alliance in fierce battle in northeast outskirt of the capital Somalia, killing fourteen militiamen from both sides on Saturday. Reports say. The militia of Islamic courts' union seized three key positions including formerly military camp Hilweine, El-Irfid and Aliyale villages alongside the road to Balad town of middle Shabelle region, sources confirmed. 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 two hundred militias loyal to minister of disarmament and rehabilitation of militias Botan Isse Alin with 15 battlewagons reached in Baidoa town 250km southwest of the capital later today. Baidoa, is the temporarily capital of the transitional federal government. The militia themselves said they have decided to join the government since their positions have captured by Islamic courts in the capital. 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. Posted by: Fred 2006-06-04 |
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