Somalia: Islamic forces begin to retreat

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Source: | 12-27-2006 09:14

In Somalia Islamic fighters have begun to retreat. On Tuesday, government and Ethiopian troops advanced on three fronts in a decisive turn-around in the battle for control of the country. The retreat follows a strike by Ethiopian warplanes on two main airports in Somalia just a day before.

Advancing government and Ethiopian troops captured Bur Haqaba, one of the Islamists' main bases, after it was abandoned early Tuesday.

Islamic troops withdrew more than 80 kilometers from Daynuney, a town just south of Baidoa, the government headquarters.

Reports also indicate the Islamic fighters have retreated on two other fronts on the north and south.

The situation in Somalia worsened after Ethiopia declared war and bombed two main airports in Somalia on Monday.

The leader of the Council of Islamic Courts' executive body, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, said his movement would not engage in a peace process, as long as Ethiopian troops remained in Somalia.

Ahmed declined to explain his comments, but some Islamic leaders have threatened a guerrilla war that would include suicide bombings in neighboring Ethiopia.