In response to summary executions, detentions of nomads and senseless shooting of livestock in various parts of Ogaden, particularly near Fik area, the ONLF dispatched large numbers of fighters who have engaged TPLF forces in 5 separate engagements near the towns of Gashaamo, Galaalshe, Gabo-Gabo, Sanhaskule and Haboosane.
In the period 26 October through 1st November these engagements resulted in over 270 TPLF troops killed with an unconfirmed number wounded. Five military transport vehicles were destroyed by RPG-7s. The transport vehicles were full of troops when they were struck resulting in a high number of casualties.
Military engagements between ONLF troops and TPLF forces in the Ogaden has increased significantly over the last two weeks. This increase appears to be a coordinated and deliberate escalation in armed conflict initiated by the TPLF regime despite the humanitarian crisis in the Ogaden.
The TPLF regime continues to deny free access to the Ogaden for journalists in order to hide the extent of its military casualties from the outside world.
———————
Ogaden National Liberation Front
Military Operations Command Center (MOCC)
OGADEN
BBC NEWS
Ethiopian Woyanne troops supporting Somalia’s interim government have been involved in fierce battles with insurgents in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
At least five Ethiopian Woyanne soldiers and seven civilians have died in fighting in areas close to the stadium.
Eyewitnesses told the BBC that three of the soldiers’ bodies were dragged through the streets by militiamen.
The UN says the city is facing a “humanitarian catastrophe” with some 80,000 people fleeing recent fighting.
Fatalities
On Friday morning the Ethiopian Woyanne forces engaged fighters who have been conducting guerrilla-style attacks on them since the beginning of the year, in three areas close to the stadium.
The insurgents are loyal to the union of Islamic courts which were expelled from Somalia after briefly controlling much of central and southern parts of the country.
Local residents were also reported as having opened fire on Ethiopian Woyanne forces, with eyewitnesses saying at least five of the Ethiopian soldiers were killed.
Hospitals report treating 11 wounded civilians but it is feared that fatalities may be much higher as many of the roads in the area have been blocked off.
Correspondents said that as the day went on the heavy fighting subsided, but sporadic gunfire could still be heard.
No fresh food
Thousands of residents have been abandoning the city since intense gun battles broke out at the weekend.
The BBC’s Somali Service says that this latest outbreak of fighting has left the city without fresh supplies of food as vehicles have been unable to enter the city from the south.
Earlier this week international aid agencies warned of an unfolding humanitarian crisis in parts of Somalia.
This warning came as Somali faced further uncertainty after its prime minister, Ali Mohammed Ghedi, resigned on Monday.
About 40 aid agencies working in Somalia have said the fighting has cut off their ability to respond effectively to the needs of the displaced people.
According to the UN some 400,000 displaced people are now living in camps in towns outside Mogadishu, which include Afgooye.
Somali’s transitional government is struggling to impose its authority on the country and its forces and their Ethiopian Woyanne allies face daily attacks from insurgents.
Kinijit Vice President Bertukan Mideksa will arrive at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1, Saturday, Nov. 3 2007 at 9:00 AM.
In the afternoon, Wzt. Bertukan and Ato Debebe Eshetu, Kinijit Central Committee member, will hold a town hall meeting in Toronto:
Place: St’ Mary’s Ethiopian Orthodox church
Address: 84 Tycos Dr
Time: 2:00 PM
Come and Celebrate
Little Ethiopia’s 5th Annual Cultural Festival
When: November 4th 2006
Where: Little Ethiopia (S. Fairfax Ave between Olympic and Pico)
Time: 12:00pm to 6pm
Come and Celebrate
Little Ethiopia’s 5th Annual Cultural Festival
When: November 4th 2006
Where: Little Ethiopia (S. Fairfax Ave between Olympic and Pico)
Time: 12:00pm to 6pm
Our State Department Web site for the 2009 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2009) is now open. The application submission period for DV-2009 is from 12:00 PM EDT (GMT -4) on October 3, 2007 to 12:00 PM EST (GMT -5) on December 2, 2007. The application form will only be available for submission during this period and this period only. Applications will not be accepted through the U.S. Postal Service. – click here
