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Raskamboni militia backed by Kenyan troops take control of Kismayu
[Shabelle] the Raskamboni militia of Ahmed Madobe and the Kenyan peacekeeping forces took full control of Kismayu after they jointly fought militias loyal to colonel Bare Hirale who hails from a majority clan in the Juba regions.The militia group backed by Kenyan troops fought off Hirale's forces yesterday in a fierce battle which claimed many casualties. Many residents fled the Somalia's second largest city which is home to almost 30 clans.
Bare and his allied forces have withdrawn from the city are now based at a town not far from Kismayu where they are regrouping to attack the Kenyan forces in Kismayu. "We have changed our tactics and starting from today we will attack the Kenyan forces too. We viewed them as peacekeepers but chose to support directly the Raskamboni militia" said a top official from Hirale's troops.
The Somali federal government has called for calm in Kismayu and urged the fighting opponents to come to the table and negotiate. However the defiant Raskamboni officials dismissed the calls and opted to fight. Gedo a region which is among the three regions which constitutes Jubaland has criticized Kenya and AMISOM for supporting a clan militia against another clan militia. They warned that they too will give support to Hirale if the matter is not solved immediately. '' We will start with the Kenyan troops based in El Adde and head to Kismayu'' said the governor of Gedo region Mr. Kalil in today's protests which occurred in most towns in Gedo region. Posted by: Fred 2013-07-02 |
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