Tag Archives: Somalia

The Islamic Courts are establishing a chapter in Puntland. The president of semi autonomous Puntland is rushing to the region to prevent the establishment of the courts. Anti-ICU protests broke out in central Somalia after the ICU executed six of Col Hirale’s captured militiamen.

The Islamic Courts Union denied kidnapping members of the parliament transiting to Baidoa. Over 3,000 fighters have been enlisted by the ICU. Another town, Sakow in Middle Juba, has fallen to the ICU. Large ‘jihad’ demonstrations will be held across ICU held territory.

Aweys said the ICU is not about to attack Baidoa unless attacked first as the ICU cuts fuel supplies to the town. The Somaliland autonomous region is building up its military as talks ensue with the Ethiopians. Ethiopia warns the ICU that war is near.

ICU leader Sheik Hassan Dahir Aweys is encouraging Ethiopians to revolt. Unnamed ICU members are saying an attack on Baidoa is imminent. Over 6,000 Ethiopian troops are supporting the TFG and 2,000 Eritrian troops are supporting the ICU. The ICU may begin executing Ethiopian “spies,” ala the Taiban.

TFG troops take control of Burhakaba after clashing with the ICU, and possibly Ethiopian troops. In Jawil on the Ethiopian border, the ICU has set up shop. Women have been banned from swimming at the main beach in Mogadishu.

Rumors abound over a possible coup against the transitional government. Clashes between Col. Hirale’s militia and the Islamic Courts are expected in Bu’ale. Talks between the ICU and former Somali military officers over fighting Ethiopia are ongoing. Islamic Courts supporter in Somaliland burned copies of a newpaper critical of the group.

The Islamic Courts have opened 4 “centers for jihad registration” in the Hiran region. The ICU shut down the “Mogadishu-based Bariga Afrika radio station… because the station ‘divides the community.’” Two carloads of the popular stimulant khat were burned near Kismayo.