MOGADISHU (AFP) — Islamists militants Sunday took control of a Somali trading post after heavy fighting that saw government forces escape into the countryside, an official and witnesses said.
The Islamists wrested control of Balad town, 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of the capital Mogadishu, said Mohamed Abshir, a government official.
"They took control of the town forcefully after fighting with government forces. There were casualities but I do not know how many," he told AFP by phone.
Several witnesses confirmed the takeover of the post, which the Islamists
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| An injured Somali man is carried |
"There was heavy fighting in Balad today," said Balad resident Ugas Mohamed.
"I saw heavily-armed Islamist fighters in the town chanting "Allahu Akbar" -- God is Great. They took control of the town and the government forces fled to the countryside," he added.
Over the past year, the insurgents have attacked government targets after finally being ousted from the southern and central regions by Ethiopian-backed Somali troops in early 2007.
The guerrilla fighting has killed thousands and forced hundreds of thousands to flee mainly from Mogadishu, which has been the epicentre of the clashes.
Somalia has lacked an
effective government since the 1991 ousting of dictator Mohamed Siad
Barre paved the way for factional clashes that have defied numerous
bids to restore stability.
SOURCE: AFP, April 6, 2008