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Africa Horn
Islamists flee central and Bia provinces in Somalia
2006-12-27
Bill Roggio's map shows all the movements current to within the last day.
Mogadishu 26, Dec.06 ( Sh.M.Network) SomaliaÂ’s Islamic Courts Union deserted several strategic towns in central and southern parts of the country. Islamists in Mogadishu said they retreated from Bur Hakaba, Dinsor and Daynunay near the government base of Baidoa to change the military tact.

Ethiopian troops accompanied by government forces occupied all strategic towns: Galkayo, Bandiradley, Adado, Buloburte and Baledweyn that all lie in central Somalia. Apparently, Islamists have also admitted they lost Bai provincial towns and tiny villages near the main town of Baidoa to Ethiopian backed government troops.

Witnesses say hundreds of Ethiopian troops along with their tanks have taken up Adado in Galgadud region, central Somalia. Residential militias in Abudwaq have taken control of the town on Monday evening after Islamist fighters left the town in fear of Ethiopian military attacks.
Posted by:Steve White

#7  Those Lions of Islam.....
Posted by: anonymous2u   2006-12-27 19:18  

#6  Looks like a quagmire, there is no way they can win, and I demand that the Ethiopians outline a exit strategy.
Posted by: John F Kerry   2006-12-27 16:57  

#5  Yep. No Somalis, no guerrilla warfare. GW is a voluntary conflict.
Posted by: ed   2006-12-27 07:15  

#4  S: The Ethiopians have one major advantage in the TFG : cover for NOT engaging in nation-building.

I don't they need any cover at all. Most nations either annex conquered territories and drive the natives out or conduct punitive expeditions that kill everything in sight. Only Uncle Sam does the kinder and gentler thing.
Posted by: Zhang Fei   2006-12-27 06:40  

#3  The Ethiopians have one major advantage in the TFG : cover for NOT engaging in nation-building. The Ethiopians are simply fighting a war with their ally at their side, and will hand over all areas to the TFG. That means that the ICU can have its guerrilla war with the TFG troops, once the Ethiopians are done tenderizing the TFG.
Posted by: Shieldwolf   2006-12-27 01:25  

#2  Maybe the Ethiopians will be able to show the US how to administer a mostly Islamic country (hopefully by shooting any armed Islamist they come across).

Strategy looks decent - engage along the border then run a 2-pronged assault straight for the country's capitol along the shortest route with diversionary assaults to the north and south.

Tanks, aircraft, artillery, and trained troops help, of course.

Posted by: FOTSGreg   2006-12-27 00:56  

#1  Run, Forrest! Run!
Posted by: anymouse   2006-12-27 00:45  

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