Civilians Fleeing Beled Weyn

Hiiraan Online
Sunday, July 06, 2008

advertisements

Beled Weyn, Somalia (HOL) - There is confusion and anxiety among residents in the central city of Beledweyn, Somalia, after Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) forces who recently took over control of the city from the administration appointed by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia have started substantial military preparations in some areas of the city.

Some residents have started leaving the city for the countryside for fear that there will be a military confrontation between Ethiopian troops and the UIC forces.

The zones where people are fleeing their homes in large numbers include Hawa Tako, Koshin, Fiiltaro, and Nur Hawad which are some of the busiest areas of the city. Those who are being moved out the city at this time mostly constitute women; children and the elderly who may face extra hardship should a fighting start.

Armoured vehicles that belong to UIC forces are making back and forth trips on the edges of the city. Leaders of the UIC forces are telling people that they are determined to fight Ethiopian troops should they attempt to enter the city.

Fear of impending fighting has particularly increased after residents heard of rumours saying that Ethiopian troops on their way to the city to get water after their water tanker was destroyed the other night by UIC forces.

The residents in the city have been on the edge ever since heavy fighting between Ethiopian troops and UIC forces erupted in some parts of central regions in Somalia the latest of which took place between the towns of Jawil and Feer-feer in the Somali populated semi-autonomous region of Ethiopia.

Home
Email