(SomaliNet) Colonel Abdi Hassan Awale ‘Qeybdid’ one of the last remaining Somali warlords who lost his strong base in the outskirt of the capital of Mogadishu after hours of armed clashes with Islamic militiamen, has held a press conference in Mogadishu on Tuesday talking about the latest battle in which he described it as incursion launched by clan men on his policemen. Mr. Qeybdid told the reporters in Mogadishu “one of Habar-gidir sub-clans covering under the Islamic courts has invaded the police checkpoint overnight killing five people, tow of the them were policemen and three others were civilains and taking away three battle wagons and several rifles of AK-47 and they also caused massive displacing,” The officials of Islamic courts indicated that their troops have eradicated a checkpoint set up by militia of former defeated antiterror alliance on the main road 12km to the capital. It was a key road links between Mogadishu and Afgoie district of lower Shabelle region in southren Somalia. Asked whether any one had talked him about the roadblock he lost, Mr. Qeybdid replied “no one has contacted us about the removal of the roadblock and it was unfortunate clan-based militiamen had violated into my police station.”
“Since clan men under Islamic courts have attacked us, we promise to die for the defiance of our people and property,” Qeybdid angrily said adding “the clan who aims at another clan no matter what name they call themselves would not be successful, it is not to make people displace from their homes and it is not rightful to justify the Islam’s sake,” Qeybdid said. Col. Qeybdid who was so in furious said they will defend their children and properties from any assault if God wishes. But he declined to launch an attack.