Ethiopian Forces Take Mogadishu
Ethiopian and Somali government forces have entered Mogadishu without opposition. Fleeing islamist militias vowed to make a last stand in Souther Somalia. The Ethiopians should grant them their wish as soon as possible. The UN is making creaking noises and may stir its corrupt carcass at any moment.
MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali government troops backed by Ethiopian forces rolled into Mogadishu without firing a shot Thursday, a striking gain in its bid to recapture the country from an Islamic movement that had once seemed nearly invincible.
Hours earlier, the Islamic militants fled Mogadishu, pledging to make a last stand in southern Somalia.
"We are in Mogadishu," Prime Minister Mohamed Ali Gedi said after flying from the government's temporary base in western Somalia and meeting with local clan leaders to discuss the handover of the city. "We are coordinating our forces to take control of Mogadishu."
The Islamic movement took control of Mogadishu six months ago and then advanced across most of southern Somalia, often without fighting. Ethiopian troops then went on the attack in support of the U.N.-backed government last week in attempt to push the Islamists out of power.
If the Somali government forces can bring order to Mogadishu now, this war might actually end quickly and with a happy outcome. We can but hope.
War, World news | Gaius Thursday, 28 December , 2006
By Quilly Mammoth, Thursday, 28 December , 2006 @ 5:57 pm
Here’s the Ethiopian plan…go in with everything you have. Kill everyone that opposes your advance. Leave.
Repeat as required.
By Gaius, Thursday, 28 December , 2006 @ 6:47 pm
Seems to be working
By sarge, Friday, 29 December , 2006 @ 3:32 am
Like most Islamic “regimes,” this one is a paper tiger. Ironic that the armies of two third world countries have succeeded where the mighty United States failed. Just goes to show what an actual commitment to victory can achieve, instead of a token UN presence and an elite, but woefully outgunned unit of US soldiers. I currently serve with a veteran of the 1993 campaign in Mogadishu, and I have unfailing respect for the men who fought and died in that nearly-forgotten conflict. They were the soul of bravery, and if they’d been given the support they needed from the world and from our own government, they might have succeeded instead of leaving the country to rot in its own corruption and misguided Islamic dogma. To those brave men who now risk their lives, best of luck, and make your way with all haste to your goal. Take back your country from the brink of madness.