BBC NEWS
t between Ethiopian forces and local insurgents in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
Some of the heaviest fighting in months has broken out between Ethiopian Woyanne forces and local insurgents in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
Residents said that at least 10 people had been killed amid shell and machine-gun fire as the Ethiopian Woyanne forces launched an offensive.
Somalia has seen a surge in violence since Ethiopian Woyanne-backed government troops ousted Islamists last December.
Hundreds of civilians have been killed in the fighting.
Elders’ appeal
The BBC’s Africa editor Martin Plaut says the latest clashes began after Ethiopia Woyanne moved reinforcements and a convoy of 20 tanks and armoured cars into the city late on Friday.
One of the vehicles was hit by a landmine and exploded.
Early on Saturday the Ethiopians Woyannes fanned out of their barracks and fighting erupted.
The forces targeted areas of the city occupied by militia who are remnants of forces loyal to the ousted Union of Islamic Courts.
Insurgents are reported to have captured and ransacked a police station.
They later retreated chanting “God is great”, witnesses said.
Local resident Ismail Osman told the Reuters news agency: “Ethiopian troops and insurgents are fighting in every alley.”
The Ethiopian Woyanne forces have since reportedly returned to barracks, but heavy artillery fire has continued.
A worker at one of Mogadishu’s main hospitals said many people had been brought in suffering from gunshot and shrapnel wounds.
Local elders described the Woyanne Ethiopian offensive as a genocide and have appealed to the international community to intervene.
Some 1,600 Ugandan troops are also in Mogadishu as part of a planned 8,000-strong African Union force to support the interim government.
3 thoughts on “Heavy fighting in Somali capital – BBC”
The word Woyane is your addition. You have no shame that you steal someone’s news and post it as your own. This is not journalism. BBC can sue you for your alterations and misleading words you inserted in their own posting. You should give your comments about the activities explained in the news instead of altering the original posting.
Meles will now realise the huge mistake he has made in invading somalia.
Like they always say war is not cheap and the war in somalia could have a huge negative effect towards the economy of ethiopia, and the somali people will have a bad feeling towards ethiopia thanks to meles.
Somalis have to drive out WOYANE murderous forces – Now the Woyanes are contemplating to invade Eritrea, the Somali forces should seize this opportunity and get rid of the Woyane Occupation forces!!!
In addition, I hope this will be a wake up call for the NON-TIGRE portion of the Ethiopian Defence Forces (The Oromos, Amaras, Wolayitas, Gurages, Kambatas, Sidamas, Somalis, Agnuaks, etc) to turn their gun towards the real enemy the WOYANES and drive the WOYANE occupation force out of ETHIOPIA.
ALL ARMED AND NON_ARMED DEMOCRATIC FORCES OF ETHIOPIA MUST CALL UPON THEIR CONSTITUENCIES TO RISE UP AGAINST WOYANE!!
Shaebia trained and armed Woyane (TPLF) to destroy Ethiopia – Now is the time for all Ethiopian Democratic Forces to rise up and coordinate with Shaebia forces and WIPE OUT WOYANE once and for all!
I wish Ethiopians take back Ethiopia from the Woyane enemy forces. It is time for Ethiopian Forces to coordinate with the Eritrean Forces to crush Woyane once and for all.
N.B.: THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY IS MY FRIEND – Woyane is definitely the enemy – by simple inference at this time in our history Eritrea is a friend of Democratic forces of Ethiopia
Victory to ALL Democratic Forces of Ethiopia!!!
Down with the Murderous Woyane Occupation Forces!
Bring Meles the tyrant and his Tigrean Thus to justice!!
Ethiopia shall be Free!!