Transitional Federal Government of Somali Republic
Ministry of Information
PRESS RELEASE

Friday 22 Dec, 2006
Baidoa

Today, Friday 22 Dec, 2006 at about 11:45a.m , Militia forces consisting of Al-shabab Units of the UIC, Eritrean forces , Oromo and Jihadists from Pakistan, Sudan and other foreign countries launched attacks on the forces of the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) based at Dinsor areas , 120km south of Baidoa . After fierce fighting between the two sides in which all types of weapons were exchanged, the government forces defeated the attackers.

The fighting of today at the Dinsor front came after the government forces inflicted heavy casualties on the ICU militias in the last two days. According to the Ministry of Defense, more than 60% of their armored vehicles were either burnt or destroyed.

At Bur-Hakabo zone, the ICU forces were heavily defeated in their seven attacks against the TFG forces.

An ICU militia member taken prisoner this morning at the Dinsor front, named Aden Abdullahi Mohamed, gave detailed information with regards to their capture.

He said that all the top officials of their unit were killed in the fighting. He said “No officials remained to command the battle and we therefore surrendered”. He added that “six foreigners have committed suicide fearing being taken prisoner”.

He said that all the top officials of their unit were killed in the fighting. He said “No officials remained to command the battle and we therefore surrendered”. He added that “six foreigners have committed suicide fearing being taken prisoner”.

The latest information received from the National Military intelligence at Bur-Hakabo Area stated that 500 strong Eritrean unit equipped with artillery and other heavy weapons were reinforced to the arc of Bur-Hakabo zone.

The TFG expresses its profound sorrow of the continuing conflict and bloodshed caused by the extremist leadership of the ICU. The TFG, therefore, calls on all Somalis to prevent their youngsters and children in joining this unjust war and any acts of terror. In this regard the Somali Government is sending its deep condolence to the bereaved families of the youth and children who lost their lives during the fighting.

The Transitional Federal Government appeals to the international community to stop the influx of foreign terrorists into Somalia who are threatening the stability of both Somalia and the region.

Ministry of Information
Transitional Federal Government