Somalia thread for the week ending March 13

Ethiopia appears to be leading military operations in Central and Southern Somalia; H.S.M. appears to have made tactical retreats from a number of border towns; The TFG continues to spin and crumble.

Shabelle Media: Ahlu Sunna fighters, Ethiopian military heading to Elbur

More recently trained Ahlu Sunna Waljama’ fighters joined by Ethiopian military are reported to have been heading towards Elbur district, an Al shabaab stronghold area in central Somalia, reports said Monday.

Reports emanating from the Galgudud region suggested that the Ethiopian forces, who recently reached at former 21st military camp in Dhusamareb district, moved deep towards Al shabaab strongholds areas in central Somalia in an attempt to dislodge them.

More reinforcements from Ethiopian military reached at central Somalia to join other Ethiopians and Ahlu Sunna fighters who are said to be ready to take on Al shabaab fighters in Elbur and Elder districts in Galgudud region.

Mail & Guardian: Somalia anti-insurgency forces in major push

According to witnesses and officials, Ethiopia was trucking in troops to El Bur district, a key al-Shabaab stronghold in central Somalia.

"I saw dozens of trucks belonging to the Ethiopian military heading towards El Bur. It looks like they are joining Ahlu Sunna's war against al-Shabaab," said one local resident, Ise Maalim.

A government official in Dolow district, further south, said the all-out offensive that had been promised by three successive prime ministers was finally under way. "The war to eliminate the al-Shabaab threat from the country has begun. We will not stop until we succeed in our goal to cleanse this country of al-Qaeda and its Somali followers," Abdifatah Ibrahim Gesey said.

The towns of Bulo Hawo and Luq, near the Kenyan border, were recently recaptured from al-Shabaab, who witnesses said were abandoning some of their positions in the south to regroup for the battle over Mogadishu.

Bulo Hawo was conquered after a bloody battle that some security sources in the region said left at least 80 people dead, including women, but Luq was taken over without any fighting.

According to officials and witnesses, pro-government forces have also deployed around Beledweyne, a strategic town near the Ethiopian border that is crucial to the flow of military supplies and trade.

Al-Shabaab fighters were also believed to be bracing for a battle in the city of Baidoa, which is where the transitional federal Parliament was based before the insurgents captured the town and made it one of their strongholds.

AFP:

Ethiopia and the Somali government have denied direct Ethiopian involvement in the fighting but residents in the affected areas were adamant.

“The presence of Ethiopian troops in the battle is not a secret, they want to help us push away Shebab terrorists,” Bulo Hawo resident Mowliid Abdi said.

Shabelle Media: Ethiopian forces make military bases in central Somalia

The Ethiopians and Ahlu Sunna Waljama’ fighters made huge military bases in Berhuteye village about 60 KM from Elbur district, reports said. For their part, Al shabaab are amassing in the distruct of Elbur and other villages in an attempt to fight off if they come under attack from Ahlu Sunna and Ethiopian military.

Shabelle Media: Al shabaab abandons Garbaharey, Elwaq district in southern Somalia

Al shabab fighters are reported to leave from the districts of Garbaharey and Elwaq in Gedo region in southern Somalia, reports said on Monday.

Dependable source confirmed to Shabelle Media Network that Al Shabaab have deserted the districts after fearful conditions faced them.

It is still known which direction Al shabaab fighters went to. The sources said the Al shabaab have reached at the village of Burdhubo about 40 KM east of Gedo region in south of the country.

Shabelle Media: Somali govt forces seize Elwaq town

More soldiers loyal to the transitional federal government of Somalia on Tuesday successfully took the control of Elwaq town in Gedo region in southern Somalia.

Reports from Gedo region suggested that more than 1000 Somali government soldiers are now inside the town after Al shabaab fighters left.

The forces have recently consummated training course in the village Siyelow in neighboring Kenya, according to military officer, who was identified his name as Kulalihi.

Shabelle Media: Somali govt says its forces heading to Bardhere

officials of Somali transitional federal government on Tuesday said they are heading towards the town of Bardhere in Gedo region in southern Somalia, where Al shabaab is based.

Mohammed Abdi Kalil, Somalia’s governor for Gedo region said in an interview with Shabelle, a local radio station based in Mogadishu that Somali forces are committed to take control of the entirety of Gedo region.

Kalil went on to say that they confiscated the towns of Belet-hawo and Luq, spelling out that they are going to attack Bardhere town.

As an indication of how unimportant these officials have been in the current operations,

Canadian Press: Somali president claims victory over Islamist insurgents; fires top commanders

Somalia's president claimed victory over Islamist insurgents although it was far from clear that the militia has been defeated.

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The government is almost entirely dependent on foreign donors to pay, equip and provide ammunition to its army, a ragtag force backed up by heavily armed AU peacekeepers. The recent gains along Somalia's borders have been made by Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama, a fractious militia whose leaders have an uneasy alliance with Ahmed's government.

The president said that several top Somali commanders had been fired for poor performance in recent days. His office said they included the commander of the armed forces, the police commissioner, and the head of Somali intelligence.

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But the Islamists have often made tactical withdrawals before only to launch counter attacks later.

On Monday, residents said that the Islamists had abandoned Elwak and Garbaharey towns and Sheik Mohamed Isaq, a commander of the pro-government militia, said his forces entered the town of Luuq without a gunbattle.

Luuq is 55 miles (85 kilometres) east of Belet Hawo, a town that the pro-government militiamen overran on Saturday. It is a gateway to any push to capture other towns in Gedo region and beyond.

Pro-government fighters are also gathering near Belet Weyne, a town in the west near a strategic road linking Ethiopia and Somalia, said local commander Tawene Ahmed.

Such battleground successes are considered a morale booster for Somali government troops and their allied fighters. But al-Shabab says the success of the pro-government militia is because they are receiving support from neighbouring Ethiopia, a mainly Christian country whose soldiers were stationed in mainly Muslim Somalia during an unpopular two year occupation that began in 2006.

"Ethiopia has again invaded Somalia. I am urging our mujahedeen army to be get ready for a bigger war against Ethiopian troops," said al-Shabab spokesman Sheik Ali Mohamud Rage.

SMC: President Shariff terminates High ranking security officers

In decree from the office of the Somali President Sheikh Shariff Sheikh Ahmed on Monday evening he has fired the highest ranking officer of the Military, Security, Police and the Prison guards.

The decree in which its content were fired by these officer came after the concise cabinet of Ministers of the Somali Transitional Federal government have pressurized the President to fire the officers, the Somali Prime Minister Hon: Mohamed Abdullah Farmajo was among the Ministers and the concept of the officers to be fired.

The names of the 4 officers who have unexpectedly missed their ranks are as follows:

1.The commander of the Somali armed force; Brigadier General Ahmed Jimale Geedi

2.The commander of the Police Force; Brigadier General Ali Mohamed Hassan Loyaan.

3.The commander National Security; Brigadier General Mohammed Sheikh Hassan Hamud.

4.The commander of the Prison guards, Brigadier General Abdullah Moalim Ali.

Mareeg Online: Shabab withdraws fighters from most of Gedo region

Islamist group of Al-Shabab has withdrawn most of the districts that come under Gedo region, southwest Somalia and T.F.G forces conquered Luq district after their withdrawal this morning, reports said.

Islamist militias of AL-shabab have completely withdrawn from Luq, El-waq, and Garbaharey districts of Gedo region and are reported to be regrouping in Bardhere district of that region, residents in the region reported this morning.

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It’s not known the reason why Shabab’s fighters left those districts, but source close those to the Islamism groups indicate that they had withdrawn for military purposes.

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From a guest column at the blog Informed Comment:

The political uncertainties in North Africa (Egypt, Libya and Tunisia) and in Yemen reportedly hastened the launching of the anti-Al-Shabaab offensive. African Union officials fear the cutoff of Libyan and Egyptian funding for its operations, and the African Union and policy makers in the region are quietly expressing their concern that more radical Islamic Arab fighters and resources might flow to Al Shabaab as extremist groups seek to exploit the political uncertainties in North Africa and Yemen caused by the recent uprisings. So, there has been a decision to act against Al Shabaab sooner rather than later. African Union officials are hoping that the United States and the European Union which have already contributed well in excess of $400 million to the African Union mission in Somalia, will increase their contributions to make up for the likely decline in Egyptian and Libyan financial support to the African Union.

AFP: UN aims to bring Somalia off the 'forgotten' list

The international community will try again on Thursday to rally to the cause of war-torn Somalia's UN-backed government, which has launched its biggest offensive yet against Islamist insurgents.

The UN Security Council will hold a special meeting against the backdrop of a major land push against the Shebab militia in which dozens of African Union troops have been killed, while an international flotilla battles pirates.

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..China called the Security Council meeting, which gives the strongest recognition yet of the need for an effective government if Somalia -- which many call the "ultimate failed state" -- is to stand any chance of recovery.

In parallel, Russia is circulating a draft council resolution for a later vote that calls for setting up three special courts for Somali pirates and building two special prisons for the sea bandits, diplomats said.

China, council president for March, wants the 15 nations to agree on a statement recognizing that Somalia's strife fuels Indian Ocean piracy and the "need for a comprehensive approach to tackle piracy and its underlying causes."

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The statement would call on the government to promote "broader political dialogue and participation" and for UN member states to bolster the 8,000 African Union troops from Uganda and Burundi propping up the government.

AP:

Somali Defense Minister Abdihakim Mohamud Haji Fiqi told The Associated Press ... that African Union peacekeepers foreign fighters and Somali troops are having trouble defeating militants when they seek shelter in concrete buildings and use civilians as human shields.

He said he wanted the United States to contribute air attacks to the offensive.

"We are facing hard urban warfare which is not easy as open land warfare. We would welcome any air support from the United States and our other associates to deal with that situation," Fiqi said.

dpa:

The government of Somalia on Thursday called for the urgent deployment of the additional 4,000 peacekeeping troops as it is facing problems of piracy and terrorism and preparations for general elections during summer.

Somalia's Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed appeared before the UN Security Council in New York to update developments and progress being made by his transitional government in Mogadishu.

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Mohammed said the new troops would 'reinforce the efforts to bring peace and stability.'

'We are in the first line of defence against two evils: the scourge of piracy and the plague of terrorism,' Mohamed said. 'We need to defeat them at the source and we need the cooperation and collaboration of the international community.'

Mohamed said a new government at the end of summer should be given ample time to fulfil the remaining transitional tasks, including the ratification of the constitution.

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Laugh of the week

Reuters: Somali Islamists could grab tankers for attacks: PM

Somali pirates and Islamists are learning from each other and al Qaeda could hijack oil tankers to be used in September 11-style attacks, Somalia's prime minister said on Thursday.

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"Not only are these two ills working in tandem, but they are learning from each other," Mohamed said.

"It will not surprise us if al Qaeda's agents in Somalia start hijacking tankers in the high seas and use them as deadly weapons," along the lines of the September 2001 attacks on New York and Washington using hijacked airliners, he said.

"Why bother with a small plane when you can capture a tanker?"

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Mohamed did not elaborate on what targets huge and slow-moving tankers might be used against.

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From the Friday's OCHA Weekly Humanitarian Bulletin:

Mogadishu

Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing offensives in Mogadishu. Sources indicate that more than 30 civilians were killed and 130 others wounded in the past week. UNHCR reports that since 23 February, at least 10,600 people were displaced from or within Mogadishu of whom 5,000 fled the city and another 5,600 moved to calmer parts of Mogadishu.

Gedo/Juba regions

Belet Xaawo, Gedo region, remained tense with sporadic shelling between pro-TFG forces and Al Shabaab. On 5 March, following heavy fighting in the town, pro-TFG forces took control of Belet Xaawo. Refugees, who had crossed into Kenya, are still unable to return as the border is closed. Other IDPs, who had fled areas close to the border, are slowly returning to their homes, but some are finding their houses have been destroyed or vandalized during the fighting. The number of IDPs on the outskirts of Belet Xaawo is unknown.

During the week, pro-TFG forces also took control of Ceel Waaq and Luuq towns. The situation around both towns is reportedly tense as Al Shabaab continue to mobilise its forces to try and recapture the towns.

More civilian displacement is anticipated in the coming days, particularly in Baardheere, Gedo region, Baidoa, Bay region, and Dhoobleey in the Lower Juba region, where military build-up continues.

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Remarks by Ambassador David Dunn, U.S. Alternate Representative to the United Nations, At Security Council Debate on Somalia

The obstacles to a stable Somalia, Mr. President, cannot be underestimated. Under the dual-track approach, the United States continues to support the Djibouti Peace Process and the TFG, even as we support other local and regional entities in Somalia that seek peace, reject terrorism, and are willing to work with the TFG.

If actually held to that last stated criterion, Puntland would be eliminated from any U.S. support based on official statements from that govt.

We expect the TFG to take advantage of advances by AMISOM [well outside of their official mandate] to make progress toward achieving its transitional tasks and expanding outreach throughout Somalia, a critical objective in our view. We also call on the TFG to immediately take steps to improve its financial institutions and procedures. We are looking for greater accounting of assistance funds provided by the international community and from revenue sources such as the Port of Mogadishu. In this regard, the United States has provided financial advisors to the Ministry of Finance to assist with revenue accountability. We call for the TFG to substantively improve its governance and security efforts-and to provide a sustained demonstration of commitment toward that end.

Finally, the United States does not support the unilateral three- year extension of the Transitional Federal Parliament.

Similarly, we oppose any assertion that the current TFG should simply be extended past August 2011 absent a clear Somali roadmap for how the TFG would make the transition into a representative government within a defined timeframe. For credible progress to be made, we believe that TFG and Parliament must enter into serious discussions with regional partners, Special Representative Mahiga, and key supporters in the international community to identify a sensible, realistic way forward.

IOW, they will only recognize a transitional govt that is primarily accountable to the USG.

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Shabelle Media: Fighting rocks parts of Jubba region in southern Somalia

Bitter fighting between Somalia’s Al shabaab, which controls large swathes in southern Somalia and Raskamboni front, led Sheikh Mohammed Islan known as (Ahmed Madobe), on Saturday rocked at the village of Dif in Jubba region in southern Somalia, officials said.

Though the fighting is said to have broken out early Saturday morning and Al shabaab took control the village, Raskamboni fighters waged counter attack and reportedly forced Al shabaab to run away from the Dif.

Local residents said the two warring sides used both heavy and light weapons during the battle as heavy gunfire could be heard in the villages located on the outskirts of Dif.

At least 5 people have so far confirmed dead and scores more injured in the combat...

Mareeg Online:

Pro-government soldiers loyal to Ahmed Madobe ... claimed victory over the latest clashes they had with Shabab forces saying they captured Dif ... Mohamed Yusuf Omar, among the leading officers, told Mogadishu radios.

He added they want to clear Shabab forces from whole Jubba regions..

Shabelle Media: Somali govt: We heading to Jubba regions in country’s south

The interim federal government of Somalia on Sunday stated publicly that its forces are heading to towards Jubba regions in southern Somalia, strongholds for Al shabaab movement...

Ahmed Mohamoud Abdi, spokesperson for Somali government forces in Gedo region said that they are prepared attacking on Garbaharey, Bardhere towns in Gedo and Jubba regions in general.

He said Somali in Gedo are fully trained and ready take on their adversaries in southern Somalia.

Nearly 1000 Somali soldiers, who were recently trained in neighboring Kenya, are now in charge of the town of Elwak after battles with Al shabaab fighters in that town.

Shabelle Media: Kenyan helicopters hover over its border with Somalia

Kenyan helicopters hovering over the border village of Dif are seen, as a lot of Kenyan military forces were deployed at Kenya-Somalia border.

Reports from lower Jubba region suggested that military Kenyan planes also started flying over the border town of Dhobley where Al shabaab fighters are based.

It is not why Kenya has sent these extreme low level flying helicopters its border with Somalia.

This move comes one after heavy clashes between Somalia’s Al shabaab fighters and Raskamboni movement had taken place in the village of Dif.

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Reuters: Burundi sends 1,000 extra AU troops to Somalia

Burundi has sent 1,000 more troops to the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia taking its total there to 4,400, its army spokesman said on Saturday.

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"We have deployed 1,000 extra Burundian troops to Mogadishu two days ago," Lieutenant Colonel Jastace Ciza told Reuters by phone from Bujumbura. "We have sent them to strengthen our forces in Mogadishu."

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Separately Kenya which has been training Somali troops, has almost completed their deployment, with the last batch of some 600 soldiers about to be sent across the border, military sources in Mandera in the north east of the country said.

That article appears to be largely an exercise in taking dictation, as it omits any mention of the dozens of Burundian fighters killed or missing over the past two weeks.
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Shabelle Media reports that

A large wrangle about Mogadishu’s recent battles broke out in Al shabaab and former dismantled Hizbul Islam fighters.

The disagreements surfaced after Al shabaab officials said that the fighters of former Hizbul Islam organization have not take part in recent Mogadishu battles between Somalia government forces backed by African Union peacekeepers and Al shabaab.

During that fighting Al shabaab has lost important Mogadishu military positions including former Defense Ministry building.

In consecutive meetings held in Mogadishu, Sheikh Mokhtar Rabow Abu Mansur, a high ranking Al shabaab official, Abdulkadir Kumandos and Hassan Mahdi from the devastated Hizbul Islam discussed to resolve the new feud between the two sides.

Fighters from former Hizbul Islam said that they don’t want to take part in the battles against Somali government because Al shabaab has confiscated their military vehicles and their weapons.

The fighters of dissolved Islamist organization said they join to fighting if they were given their weapons back and handed over new battle fronts.

Mareeg Online adds

Former destroyed group militias were dismantled before joining Shabab forcibly complained of not having armed vehicles and a particular frontline known to them now.

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Robow said that those militias were assigned into two war-spot areas in Hodan and Wardhigley in the capital Mogadishu.

Reports indicate that Sh. Hassan Dahir is considering whether to accept a demand from Shabab that was to lead war taken to Galgudud region where Ahlu-suna runs.