Somalia: Islamists Attack Ethiopian Army Base in Central District

Text of report by privately-owned Somali Shabeelle Media Network website on 27 July

Ethiopian troops’ base in Janda Kundishe on the outskirts of Beled Weyne, Hiraan Region [central Somalia] and Ugaas Qalif airport in Beled Weyne were today attacked with mortars.

Up to four mortars are reported to have hit Ugaas Qalif airport. Three people injured have been injured in the attacks. Two of the injured are said to be from Hiraan Regional administration. Those behind the attack are still not known. Ethiopian troops from their base in Janda Kundishe which is on the outskirts of Beled Weyne arrived at the airport shortly after the attacks.

The commander of Hiraan Regional Administration force, Dabane Ahmad Gure, speaking to the media said local administration forces were present in the airport at the time of the attack. The commander also said the attack was carried out by groups opposed to the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia [TFG] who are based in the mountains near the airport.

The spokesman for the Union of Islamic Courts,[UIC] Shaykh Abdirahin Isse Adow said they carried out attacks at the airport in Beled Weyne and Ethiopian troops base in Janda Kundishe. The UIC spokesman said they fired more than 10 mortars at the Ethiopian army base in Janda Kundishe.

Originally published by Shabeelle Media Network website, Mogadishu, in Somali 27 Jul 08.

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