(SomaliNet) Residents of small towns near Ethiopia-Somalia border have seen columns of Ethiopian tanks and armored vehicles crossing into Somalia to re-enforce troops defending the Islamic CourtsÂ’ bid to overrun Baidao, the interim headquarters of the federal government. Unusual troop movement is being reported in central Somalia close to PuntlandÂ’s Galkao main city. The Islamic Courts are saying members of the Ethiopian army with heavy armored vehicles moved very close to one of their outposts. The two sides can see each other with less than 2KM in between and the fight can start any minute. Residents of Galkao confirmed unusual military activates in the area but said no Ethiopian men could be seen in the city.
| He said they captured many prisoners most of whom are school children drafted by the courts. He sent condolences to the parents of all under-age boys who were killed while fighting for the islamists. |
Contrary to Baidao claim, the
| Islamic Courts spokesman in Mogadishu said they have the upper hand and are holding tight their ground while inching toward Biadao. He said they killed over 200 Ethiopian soldiers and will allow the media to see their bodies soon. |
Thousands of people are fleeing their homes in all parts of Bay province. Nobody knows where the next front will be and many are not taking chances. The Islamic Courts called the world today to stop the war and convince Ethiopia to leave Somalia and said the consequence will be catastrophic and wider conflict. They threatened to attack inside Ethiopia.