ARS Troops in Central Somalia Join Al-Shabab Forces

Hiiraan Online

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Friday December 26, 2008(HOL) - Troops belonging to the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia (ARS) in central Somalia have joined Al-Shabab forces. This is the first time troops from the ARS wing officially join Al-Shabab forces.

In a ceremony to celebrate the unification of the two forces, senior officer from the two sides talked about the reasons for the unification and the importance of unity between the two groups.

Sheik Shuriya Moalim who spoke on behalf of the troops that joined the Al-Shabab forces said that they decided to join Al-Shabab forces after realizing that ARS has deviated from the original purpose the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) was established. He added the unification of the two forces will strengthen the continuation of Jihad.

Sheik Shuriya warned Somalis not to be deceived by the Djibouti agreement which he said is intended to weaken the Mujaheen. He added by saying that they are determined to fight the enemy (of Somalia) and those who support them.

On the other hand, Sheik Ali Dhere who is the head of Al-Shabab forces in central Somalia thanked the troops that joined Al-Shabab forces and that he hopes other Mujahideen will do the same.

Recently there have been divisions among Islamic forces in the city of Beledweyne which led to parts of the city being controlled by opposing sides. Elders of the city later solved the disagreement.

The unification ceremony was held in the city of Beledweyne in the central region of Hiiraan. Increasingly differences among various factions of Islamic groups are surfacing although all of them say they are determined to liberate the country from occupation.