Showdown looms between Ethiopian troops, Hawiye jehadist in central Somalia

Forces loyal to the Union of Islamic Courts [UIC] in Hiran Region have been put on full alert in an effort to confront Ethiopian troops accompanied by fighters loyal to the former governor of Hiran region, who have established a base in Kalabaydh area [close to Beled Weyne] in Hiran Region.Reports reaching us from the area indicate that heavily armed UIC jehadist have taken defensive positions in an area just two kilometers from the Kalabaydh junction.
Ethiopian troops in Kalabaydh are said to be carrying out operations in the surrounding areas searching for UIC fighters.Residents of El-Gal, Jir’ale, Jawil and areas surrounding Kalabaydh junction have started fleeing from their homes, fearing that they might be affected by [the impending] confrontation between Ethiopian troops and UIC fighters.. Terrorist insurgents now hold most of southern and central Somalia hawiye hartland
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