From: Biniam Haile \(SWE\) (eritrea.lave@comhem.se)
Date: Thu Aug 14 2008 - 11:45:59 EDT
Heavy battles in Somalia after insurgents ambush Ethiopia forces
14 Aug, 2008 - 2:45:08 PM
BAIDOA, Somalia Aug 13 (Garowe Online) - Fierce fighting erupted in
parts of southern Somalia on Tuesday, as Ethiopian forces traveling
along a key road were ambushed different times by Islamist guerrillas,
Radio Garowe reported.
The fighting was concentrated in Lower Shabelle region, with locals near
the Baledogle airstrip reporting of "heavy bombardment" and "many
casualties."
At least 10 people - including civilian bystanders, Ethiopian soldiers
and insurgents - have been reported dead so far and many more wounded.
Ethiopian troop reinforcements were dispatched from Baidoa and Afgoye
towns, with emerging reports indicating that an Ethiopian convoy was
ambushed separately in Burhakaba district, in Bay region where Baidoa is
located.
An Ethiopian army truck hit a landmine and exploded in Burhakaba,
according to local sources.
The ambushed force was traveling on the road that links the capital
Mogadishu to Baidoa, where the country's federal parliament is based.
Islamist fighters have waged a relentless guerrilla war since early
2007, when the Ethiopian army helped install the Somali government in
Mogadishu.
In June, the government and its Islamist opposition signed a peace
agreement but violence continues to rage in the country.
Source: Garowe Online
----[This List to be used for Eritrea Related News Only]----