Hiiraan Online
Saturday, October 03, 2009
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Reports from the Lower Juba region, particularly the city of Kismayo say that the two Islamist groups of al-Shabaab and Hisbul Islam who fight in Kismayo on October 1, 2009 are engaged in military preparations in the town of Buulo Gaduud which is located 30 km north of Kismayo. Reports say that the military movements the two sides are undertaking seem to be preparations for a war that may take place between the two sides.Residents in the area of Buulo Gaduud say that the two sides are facing each other near Buulo Gaduud and currently there are no mediations or negotiations between the two sides. Residents in the area are fearful that the two sides will fight again which inevitably will lead to civilian casualties.
Similarly, military movements have been observed near Birta Dheer village which lies 60 km west of Kismayo city where troops loyal to the two sides are facing each other. There are no independent sources reporting on what exact the situation is and how close the two sides are to military confrontation.
Senior officers of al-Shabaab in region have confirmed for the media that there exist military movements but so far there have not been any military confrontation.
These military movements come two days after Hisbul Islam forces led by Ahmed Mohamed Islaam (Ahmed Madobe) and al-Shabaab forces fought for military supremacy for the key port city of Kismayo where Hisbul Islam forces were defeated and expelled from the city.