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Africa Horn
Somali capital calm as Islamic fighters gain the upper hand
2006-06-01
The situation of MogadishuÂ’s northeast villages has been quiet on Tuesday after militia of Islamic courts took the control of key positions from the militia of anti terror alliance in heavy flare up of fighting in early morning, killing five militiamen loyal to Somali minister of militia rehabilitation Botan Isse Alin.

One of residents in the latest clashes told Somalinet the situation resumed in calm and very alert and heavy armed Islamic fighters could be seen appearing from main positions previously held by militia of anti terror alliance. Hundreds of pro-Islamic courts people rallied in the streets welcoming Islamic courts’ activities in which they have taken the control of strategic positions from anti terror alliance. The demonstrators were chanting slogans like ‘we don’t want more bloodshed, we want peace, we don’t want dollar takers and down anti terror alliance’.

Meanwhile, reports from Balad town of middle Shabelle region say militia loyal Mohamed Dhere who is member of anti terror alliance have reached El-Irfid village near to where this morning fighting has raged to enforce the defeated militia of Botan Isse. Sources say heavily armed militia with 15 battle wagons are now in El-Irfid in an attempt to launch an attack on Islamic militiamen who have just taken position from Darmolei area alongside the road and some miles away from El-Irfid village. The people in the area fear that fighting might happen since both sides regroup.
Posted by:Fred

#9  JHead a firm I worked for had a fleet of 6 of the last of the big GM 350 rear-wheel drive sedans. We ran them to death, over 200,000 miles each. We were stunned at the price they brought come salvage time.
Posted by: 6   2006-06-01 16:18  

#8  I always had a soft spot for the 80's caprices and impalas aka the 'crip gunship'.
Posted by: Broadhead6   2006-06-01 15:09  

#7  of course, the minute the Islamic Courts militias took control, they built hospitals, daycares, raised nutrition levels, opened schools and freed the slaves, right Senator Murray?
Posted by: Frank G   2006-06-01 14:39  

#6  What to you suppose the shelf life is for an article that has Somali, Islamic fighters, and calm all in the same headline?
Posted by: DepotGuy   2006-06-01 13:24  

#5  The Afghans were given Ford F-350 Duallies as their Hummvee. You can load some serious hardware onto them.
Posted by: ed   2006-06-01 12:55  

#4  Battle Wagons: Probably the Toyota Land Cruiser of FJ-60 and FJ-62 variety. Love the LC (goes anywhere, run fo'ever w/ little maint.), but the FJ-60,62 in the V6 configuration is underpowered for such a heavy vehicle. The new 3.4 V6 would do the job though. And the new V8 is wonderful.


Now the FJ-55 Iron Pig really looks like a battle wagon. And the FJ-40,45 has the removable hard top for all kinds of options. Apparently, the latest in luxury, the 100 series, is being outfitted with combat accessories as well. And then there is the new, but terrible expensive for a Somali warlord, MegaCruiser. Or maybe some real military left a 70 behind years ago.

I'm still having trouble finding the gun mounts for my Tundra and 4Runner here in the States though. I'm thinking a TOW launcher would look good on top of the 4Runner. (More Toyota .mil vehicles)

Whoa! Sorry, I geeked-out for a moment. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programing.
Posted by: psychohillbilly   2006-06-01 12:37  

#3  Did the Mighty Mo come out of retirement?

I'd say the neighbors to the north were lending a hand.
Posted by: Pappy   2006-06-01 10:49  

#2  Battle wagons in the purest sense. Armoured Conestogas.
Posted by: 6   2006-06-01 07:37  

#1  Sources say heavily armed militia with 15 battle wagons

Did the Mighty Mo come out of retirement?

militia of Islamic courts who were said to have been using war techniques

Well, imagine that. Someone actually brought a strategy other than "spray and pray" into an African conflict?
Posted by: gromky   2006-06-01 06:31  

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