By Guled Mohamed
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Gunmen also attacked a police station in the Somali capital, as insecurity rises in the chaotic Horn of Africa nation which has endured almost daily violence since Ethiopian and government forces ousted an Islamist movement over the New Year.
The attacks, which have put pressure on the interim government as it tries to restore stability in what is already one of the world's most dangerous cities, have been blamed on Islamist remnants, some of whom have vowed holy war.
A witness who lives near Commerce Minister Abdullahi Ahmed Afrah said his house in northern Mogadishu was attacked late on Monday.
"A hand grenade was on Monday night thrown at the minister's house in Yaqshid," the resident who declined to be named said. "He was in the house at the time of the attack but he survived, he was not hurt."
In another part of town, four mortars bombs landed near the port, but no one was injured, another witness said.
"One of the mortars landed near my house on a deserted building," said a resident who lives near the port and gave his name as Liban. "I then heard three loud explosions after that, one of which fell near the port the other two fell in residential areas but luckily no one was wounded."
People living in the southern Madina neighbourhood, said attackers had opened fire at a police station.
"Wadajir police station was attacked on Monday night by gunmen, heavy fighting ensued," said resident Abdikarim Ali. "The gunmen fled after some fighting. There is no news of casualties."
The interim government is hoping a proposed African Union (AU) peacekeeping force can be deployed as soon as possible to stabilise Somalia. The UN Security Council was considering on Monday a British-drafted resolution to authorise the force.
Diplomats have urged rich nations to back and fund the AU peacekeeping mission, but only about 4 000 troops have so far been pledged of the 8 000 called for.
Uganda was the first nation to offer soldiers, but its parliament is still studying the plans. Nigeria, Burundi, Malawi and Ghana have also offered to send troops.
Before their defeat, the Islamists had controlled Mogadishu and much of the south since June. Somalia has been in upheaval since the 1991 overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.
Source: Reuters, Feb 13, 2007