Islamist In Fresh Mogadishu Push

BBC ^ | 7-9-2006

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Islamists in fresh Mogadishu push

The Islamists made rapid advances in June Heavy fighting has broken out in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

The Islamic Courts militia, which controls most of the city, is attempting to take a southern area held by warlord Abdi Qeybdid.

At least seven people were killed and 16 wounded as fighters exchanged mortar, rocket and machine-gun fire.

The militia ousted most warlords from the capital in June, in an effort to restore order. It has been accused of al-Qaeda links - which it denies.

BBC regional analyst Martin Plaut says the battle under way in Mogadishu is a fight to the finish.

The Islamic Courts are trying to push the warlords out of their last strongholds.

The fighting has focused on the Medina district, through which traffic to the south travels.

Parts of southern Somalia are also held by the militia and its allies, and the group is hoping to strengthen its grip on the country.

But the fighting in Mogadishu has taken on a clan dimension, our correspondent adds.

Abdi Qeybdid's fighters have been joined by those of another warlord, Hussein Aideed - whose forces come from the same clan.

Mr Aideed is minister of the interior in the largely ineffectual transitional government based in Baidoa, and holds other key areas of Mogadishu.

But fighters of the Islamic Courts are said to be well armed, and reportedly receiving support from neighbouring Eritrea.

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