UIC Forces Takes Over Bases Vacated by Ethiopian Troops

Hiiraan Online

Wednesday, January 14, 2009


Mogadishu, Somalia (HOL) - The Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) in Somalia has taken over bases vacated by Ethiopian troops in Mogadishu.

Spokesman for the Union Mr. Abdirahiim Ise Adow who spoke with reporters inside Mogadishu’s main soccer stadium said that from today the stadium will be a place where the young play soccer and not a military base as it has been in the last two years.

Mr. Addow added that the Mujahideen (resistance forces) are not competing with one another for control of the city and are jointly stationed in the stadium.

Sheik Yusuf Mohamed Siyad (Indhade) who is a member of the Islamist faction led by Dr. Omar Iimaan Abuubakar also spoke at the stadium and said the reason for his presence in the stadium is that the blood of the Mujahidiin has been shed in the efforts to liberate the stadium and that resistance forces took control of the stadium in unity. Sheik Yusuf added that they will not allow anything short of the implementation of the Sharia and called on the Somali people to repent and follow the teachings of the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Mohamed (PBUH).

UIC forces also took control of the Guulwadayaasha (National Guards) base after which brief exchange of fire took place between Ethiopian forces stationed at the Ministry of Defence headquarter located not far from the base the UIC forces took control of.

Additional information: Ethiopian troops have also vacated the Spaghetti Factory in Heyla Bariise.