Tension high in Somalia as militia reposition

By Mohamed Ali Bile

MOGADISHU (Reuters) – Rival Somali militia, whose fighting
in Mogadishu has killed hundreds of people, repositioned and
rearmed fighters on Sunday in readiness for a new attacks,
witnesses said.

Residents fled their homes as militia prepared to attack
Balad, a strategic town 30 km (19 miles) north of Mogadishu,
which is controlled by a member of the anti-terrorism warlord
coalition that has been battling forces loyal to Islamic
courts.

“Balad town is empty, people have taken off,” resident
Hassan Muke told Reuters by telephone.

Elsewhere, officials said international and local aid
workers based outside Mogadishu were leaving Somalia over fears
the fighting would spread to other regions.

Islamic militia have in the last few days made steady
gains, seizing villages near Balad but militia loyal to warlord
Muse Sudi Yalahow who controls the town have vowed not to give
up ground without a fight.

Islamic forces have taken over the villages of El Iffid,
Ali Yaale, Garas Bintow and a military camp of Hiilweyne, 7 km
(4 miles) outside Balad town, witnesses said.

Residents said National Security Minister Mohamed Qanyare
and his heavily armed forces left their base in Daynile in
Mogadishu on Saturday night.

They were believed to have moved toward Balad to offer
support to Muse Sudi, who is also the commerce minister in
Somalia’s transitional government.

“There are fears that the war will start again because the
militia are reorganizing themselves,” said one analyst.

Heavy machine-gun battles have broken out in recent days
following a period of relative calm in clashes between Islamic
warlords and secular bands widely believed to be supported by
the United States.

Washington has not commented except to say that it welcomes
support in its declared war on terrorism.

Residents say the latest fighting has involved some of the
worst violence ever seen in Mogadishu.