Feb 8, 2007, 20:06
Ethiopian [Woyanne] troops inside Mogadishu to protect the Somali govt
MOGADISHU Feb 8 (Garowe Online) - Ethiopian [Woyanne] military reinforcements and heavy weaponry have reached parts of Lower Shabelle region, according to Somali military sources.
The specially-trained [Woyanne] units are expected to arrive in the Somali capital Mogadishu soon to help protect government buildings, which have come under continuous attacks in recent weeks.
The [Woyanne] units, accompanied by Somali soldiers, will begin security operations inside Mogadishu targeting those responsible for a string of nighttime attacks, military sources informed Garowe Online on the condition of anonymity.
Government buildings and hotels housing military officers have been the target of constant attacks, with unknown gunmen launching mortars and RPGs before disappearing into the night.
The Somali government blames remnants of the ousted Islamist movement for the rising violence in the capital. At least 7 civilians were killed on Wednesday in separate mortar attacks.
Pro-government [Woyanne] troops deployed into central and southern Somalia in December to defeat the Islamists, who then controlled the capital.
The internationally recognized Somali government is banking on the deployment of an 8,000-strong African peacekeeping force to replace the [Woyannes], but the African Union has been plagued with personnel and financial challenges for the Somali mission.
Source: Garowe Online
http://www.garoweonline.com
