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| Last Updated: Jun 14, 2010 - 8:03:37 PM |
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Somali forces ready for war against rebels
4 Feb 4, 2010 - 1:42:38 PM
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Somalia’s embattled government is reportedly preparing its troops in a latest offensive against the powerful insurgents in the restive capital Mogadishu, sources told Garowe Online.
Somali government officials said the offensive is led by experienced troops’ commanders, who are up to the task of clearing the insurgents from the capital
“The TFG forces are in the front line, they are ready to attack Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam positions in Mogadishu,” said a top government official, who requested anonymity.
Somalia’s Agriculture Minister Mohamed Ibrahim Habsade, who is currently in Mogadishu confirmed the government plans, saying this year will be of success for the weak TFG as it plans to take the control of the regions in the war-torn country.
“We are planning to kick out insurgents, who are linked to Al-Qaeda, from the regions because they have refused to take part in peace and reconciliation talks,” he said.
On the other hand, Al-Shabaab’s spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohammud Raghe aka Ali Dhere said the TFG is known for declaring offensives against his group but vowed that Al-Shabaab will defend itself from any attack.
However, a government official said the latest offensive will have huge impact on the civilians.
“The war will affect every corner of the country and the government forces have vowed to liberate the people,” said the official.
Hundreds of residents have started fleeing from their homes for fear, joining thousands others in the outskirts of Mogadishu.
Early January, Somalia’s Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke told a section of the media that his government, which only control pocketful of blocks in Mogadishu, was planning to rout out the insurgent from the capital within a month but remained verbal ever since.
Even though African Union troops who are based in the capital have downplayed their involvement in the government plans, reports that reached GO suggest otherwise.
GAROWE ONLINE
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