Somali president: No more talks with insurgents
No Winner Seen in Somalia’s Battle With ChaosSomalia's president on Thursday vowed that his forces would fight to the last man against hardline Islamist rebels because of their continued refusal to discuss peace.
Somalia's two main hardline Islamic groups last month launched a major offensive against the Western-backed government's positions in Mogadishu and heavy street battles killed close to 200 civilians.
"We are committed to fight against our rebels because they have refused our constant offer of peace," President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed Ahmed told a meeting of more than 150 moderate Islamic leaders.
"We will fight them until our last man dies."
"Anyone who changes his mind would be welcomed. But as long as they carry on this wrong ideology, the only option open for us is to fight against them," said Ahmed.
Ahmed's government, which aims to rule Somalia with a moderate version of Islam, controls only a few blocks of Mogadishu and a border town. His allies control pockets of southern and central Somalia.
One of the main rebel groups, Al-Shabab, controls large parts of southern Somalia and has ordered stoning and other harsh punishments in the areas it controls.
Child killed in attack on Somalia peacekeeper base.The government is begging for help, saying that more peacekeepers, more money and more guns could turn the tide against the Islamist radicals.
52 killed, 130 wounded in four days of Mogadishu battlesBy MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN – May 20, 2009
3 civilians killed in Islamic attack in Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — An attack by Islamic insurgents on Somali troops near an African Union peacekeeping base in the capital killed a sleeping child and at least two other civilians early Wednesday, as regional leaders met to discuss ways of aiding the beleaguered government.
The 6-year-old child was among those killed when a mortar shell slammed into a home near the AU base, Mogadishu resident Farhiyo Sharif Awale said.
AU spokesman Lt. Cize Justice said none of his troops were hurt and the attack was aimed at government forces stationed near the AU base. Government spokesmen did not return calls seeking comment on casualties.
In recent weeks, Islamic insurgents have stepped up attacks aimed at toppling Somalia's Western-backed government, prompting tens of thousands of people to flee Mogadishu. At least 45,000 people have left since May 8, the U.N. reported Wednesday.
In the capital of neighboring Ethiopia, regional leaders suggested ways of aiding the weakened Somali government, which now only directly controls pockets of the capital.
AU commission chairman Jean Ping called on member nations to help Somalia blockade ports held by the insurgents — where the fighters collect taxes and illegally import weapons — and help control Somali airspace.
This is going to hurt local tourism.3 Jun 3, 2009 - 3:31:46 PM
MOGADISHU, Somalia June 3 (Garowe Online) - Heavy fighting continued for the fourth consecutive day in the Somali capital as government forces and insurgents battled for control over war-battered districts, Radio Garowe reports.
Wednesday's battles were concentrated in Yaaqshiid district, with sources confirming at least 12 deaths and 17 wounded persons, including civilians.
"I saw 12 dead bodies, all of which were young men," said a witness, who added that government forces "pulled back" from areas they previously controlled.
The rival sides battled over control of Yaaqshiid police station, which was taken over by government forces on Monday after intense fighting with Hizbul Islam faction.
Hundreds of families have fled Yaaqshiid district since renewed clashes started on Sunday, locals said.
Sheikh Ahmed Lashin, a commander with Hizbul Islam, claimed on Mogadishu-based radio stations that Hizbul Islam fighters have retaken control of the police station in Yaaqshiid.
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