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Somalia: ASWJ leaves Guriel after mediation efforts by local community
[Garowe] Moderate Sufi militia Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a [ASWJ] has left Guriel town in Central Somalia, it has been established, following mediation which was brokered by the local business community, an entity which has suffered the most.For almost a week, the militia-controlled Guriel town but a response by government forces left over 120 people dead according to the group. Both sides suffered heavy casualties as the militia pushed further to the regional capital of Dhusamareeb. Sources said the Somali National Army [SNA] has since taken full control of the town, adding that the group voluntarily left to avoid further festivities with the government forces. The military appeared to have been overwhelmed with the Sufi militia. ASWJ also handed over two military vehicles seized during the fighting according to a source privy to the new development in central Somalia. Their militias are heading towards Godwiil village, the source added. On Tuesday, Galmadug regional President Ahmed Karie alias Qoorqoor claimed foreign countries and some Federal States in Somalia are behind the resurgence of Ahlu Sunna in Galmudug ...a semiautonomous region in central Somalia, bordering Puntland on the north. Galmudug is not trying to obtain international recognition as a separate nation, but rather considers itself autonomous within the larger Somali federalism, for what that's worth... . His accusation came as fighting continues for the 4th day in Guriel, a strategic city seized by ASWJ in early October. Qoor-Qoor said they had been calling on Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a to leave Guriel for 22 days, but refused. "We had no option but to go to war," he said, adding that the militia was not keen on fighting against al-Shabaab  ...... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord..., their initial mission. Analysts argued that the violence is a setback to the election as Galmudug and SNA opened a new front after failing war on al-Shabaab in Mudug. The militia initially cooperated with government forces in the fight against al-Shabaab bad boys. In a statement, the international partners expressed concerns over fighting in the strategic Guriel town, arguing that the fighting could erode gains made in terms of securing Somalia's future after years of political turmoil. Related: Guriel: 2021-10-26 Fighting continues for the 3rd day on the row in central Somalia; 30 dead Guriel: 2021-01-29 Anger in Somalia as sons secretly sent to serve in Eritrea military force Guriel: 2019-05-25 Several people detained in connection with foiled suicide attack Posted by: trailing wife 2021-10-28 |
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