Militia attack Somalia again, 3 wounded

Source: CCTV.com | 01-05-2007 09:36

In Somalia, Islamic militiamen have attacked a fuel tank, wounding three people. Meanwhile, amidst the unrest, authorities are struggling to restore law and order to the country.

Thursday's attack on the outskirts of Mogadishu was the first major one since government forces regained control of the capital last week.

The past 15 days have seen troops from the Somali transitional government work together with Ethiopian forces to defeat the Supreme Council of Islamic Courts. But many believe that thousands of Muslim fighters are still hiding in the capital.

Fighting continued on Thursday with Somali government troops backed by Ethiopian soldiers battling hundreds of Islamic fighters in the southern tip of Somalia.

Residents are hoping the transitional government can step up efforts to tackle unrest in Mogadishu. And the government is beefing up its efforts.

The interim government had earlier given residents a three-day ultimatum, ending on Thursday, to hand in their arms or be forcibly disarmed. Some weapons have been collected, but many locals are holding back until they're sure the government can restore order.

In another move to stabilize the country, Somalia's interim Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi presided over the swearing-in of senior court judges in the capital on Thursday. This marks a break-away from six months of strict sharia law.

In Nairobi, Kenya's foreign minister said the border with Somalia had been closed, expressing concern that Muslim militants might slip into the country disguised as refugees.

UN Chief urges dialogue in Somalia

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged Somalia's transitional government to seek dialogue with other groups in the country. But he welcomed moves by some African countries to send peacekeepers to Somalia. Ban hopes troops can be deployed as soon as possible.

 

Editor:Du Xiaodan