Monday, June 01, 2009

"Somali government forces launched attacks against rebels around Yaqshid police station and we repelled them," a Somali government security officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"Our forces are in full control of the police station," he said.

The police station fell into rebel hands in the early days of the latest round of fighting to have hit the horn of African nation last month.

Witnesses also confirmed the government security officer's claims they had regained control of the station, saying several people died in the battle for the position.

"Three people, one of them a civilian died near the police station this morning and the government forces took control of the area," Abdulahi Gashan, a witness said.

He said he saw the mayor of Mogadishu tour the police station shortly after the clashes.

Mohamed Adan, another witness said the fighting -- which involved use of heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and anti-aircrafts weapons -- had spread to nearby areas, leaving at least nine civilians injured in the Yaqshid neighbourhood.

Hardline Islamists opposed to the moderate government of Sharif Sheikh Ahmed launched bloody raids against Somali government positions in the country on May 7 taking control of key positions including police stations and in some cases entire towns.

The fierce fighting has left more than 200 people and forced tens of thousands others to flee their homes.

The rebel onslaught has been led by the Shebab, an extremist faction accused of links to Al-Qaeda; and Hezb al-Islam, a more political radical group loyal to opposition leader Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys.

They have confirmed receiving support from foreign fighers.

Sharif recently accused Eritrea of backing the insurgency and the African Union has called on the United Nations to apply sanctions on Asmara.

Source: AFP, June 01, 2009