6/29/2006
Crossfire War – TEHRAN WATCH – Northeast Africa Theatre: Tehran – Mogadishu/Addis Ababa; Islamic Government in Somalia States it Will Extend its Rule Over Entire Country – New Leader Suspected of Terrorist Contacts
Night Watch: MOGADISHU – The new leaders of Somalia’s Islamic government have stated they intend to extend their rule over the entire country including the breakaway regions of Somaliland and Puntland. They have also named a hardline Islamic conservative as their new leader, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, who is suspected by the UN as having terrorist connections. [XINHUA]
Sheikh Aweys will head the 91 member Council of Somali Courts. Sheikh Hassan Sharif Ahmed has been named Chairman of the 15 member Islamic Courts Executive Committee. He stated, “We will change the council’s name starting today from the Council of Islamic Courts of Mogadishu to the Council of Islamic Courts of Somalia” (CICS).
At the same time Addis Ababa and Mogadishu accuse each other of destabilizing the region. Mogadishu claims Ethiopian troops have crossed the border in the Hiraan region, 15 km (8 miles) to the village of Jawiil. Mogadishu has also accused Addis Ababa of having armed the warlords.
www.crossfirewar.com
