Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2014 16:45:29 +0200
At least 74 dead in Somali/Ethiopian clash with Al-Shebab
By <http://www.english.rfi.fr/auteur/mohamed-sheikh-nor-mogadishu> Mohamed
Sheikh Nor in Mogadishu
Tuesday 03 June 2014
At least 74 people were killed in fighting near Somalia's border with
Ethiopia on Sunday, according to officials and witnesses. Somali and
Ethiopian forces attacked the bases of Al-Shebab islamists near the
south-western town of Ato.
Local people say that this is the worst fighting they have seen in the
region and it is unclear how many were killed but the government claimed
victory in this gruesome battle.
Hassan Ibrahim Lugbur, the deputy governor of Bakool region where Ato
locates told RFI by phone that over 74 Al-Shebab fighters were killed in the
battle.
AL-SHEBAB - WHO ARE THEY?
"Somali forces along with those of the Ethiopian attacked bases manned by
Al-Shebab fighters near Ato killing 74 Al-Shebab militia," Lugbur said.
He added that the assault was undoubtedly in retaliation for last week's
Al-Shebab raids on bases in a village on Somalia-Ethiopia border, in which
30 Somali and Ethiopian soldiers were killed.
Locals confirmed that a heavy gun battle occurred in the town on late Sunday
morning and say that both sides suffered heavy loses.
Al-Shebab officials could not immediately be reached for comment but the
movement's Radio Andalus reported that both "invading" Ethiopian and Somali
forces met with stiff resistance from Al-Shebab fighters manning the bases.
According to witnesses, Sunday's attack was the bloodiest battle that
Ethiopian troops have been involved in since they crossed the border to
fight against the Al-Shebab.
"I have seen over 70 people dead mainly from the warring sides," said
resident Hassan Mohamed.
Somali government forces, backed by African Union troops, have been battling
against the Al Qaeda-linked group in the south and central regions of
Somalia since March, capturing more than 10 towns from the militants.
<http://www.english.rfi.fr/al-shebab-who-are-they>
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