Ethiopia launches fighter jets and artillery against Somali militia

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-25-2006 09:53

Ethiopia has launched fighter jets and artillery against militia from the Union of Islamic Courts. Sunday's attack is driving tensions higher after almost a week of conflict between the Islamic militia and Somali government forces backed by Ethiopia.

Sunday also saw Ethiopia formally confirm, for the first time, the presence of its troops in Somalia.

The largely Christian nation of Ethiopia is a strong backer of Somalia's interim government. And Sunday's attacks saw Ethiopian fighter jets drop bombs on several central Somali towns held by Islamic militia who oppose the government while Ethiopian soldiers engaged in battle elsewhere with artillery and tanks.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said on Sunday its troops had been forced into a war against Somalia's Islamic militia.

Somali Ambassador to Ethiopia justified the move, saying Ethiopia has an obligation to defend its people and the integrity of its people. But he also said there was still room for peaceful resolution.

Meanwhile, the Union of Islamic Courts organized demonstrations on Sunday to protest against the attacks. It's calling for help from Muslims worldwide in a bid to present the war as a conflict between Muslims and Christians.

The weekend saw the UN World Food Program send aircraft in to drop food-aid into Somalia and neighboring Kenya.

Thousands of Somalis have fled their homes as troops loyal to the Somali government in the western city of Baidoa fight off an advancing Islamic militia.

Experts fear the conflict could engulf the already volatile horn of Africa. And aid agencies fear an unmanageable influx of refugees into neighboring Kenya.

Editor:Du Xiaodan