Tensions in the Southern region of Somalia are escalating after former Baidoa administration officials continue attacks on hard-line Islamic insurgents al-Shabab in a bid to retake control of the city. The former Baidoa security force claims it has been significantly strengthened after another opposition, al-Sunnah Waljamaca, joined its ranks to wrest power from al-Shabab. Al-Shabab, which Washington describes as a terrorist organization with close links to al-Qaeda, seized Baidoa and the parliament building after the Islamic extremists attacked forces of the former Transitional Federal Government (TFG) earlier this year.
Former Somali education minister Mohammed Ali Ahmed tells reporter Peter Clottey that Baidoa residents are sharply divided on which of the two groups would be better controlling the city.
"There was a clash between the militia who were in control formerly of Baidoa and al-Shabab. The former militiamen made some roadblocks at a palace which is about 30 kilometers north of Baidoa. And when the guys from al-Shabab heard this information, they went there and at night around 2 a.m., there was a clash which ended with death and injuries on both sides. On the side of al-Shabaab two of their fighters were killed and at least 19 injured. On the other side, there were at least three dead and six wounded," Ali Ahmed said...more..http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2009-04-01-voa2.cfm
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