Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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May 17, 2009

Somali Militia Leader Defects, Fighting Erupts Near Capital
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=244D52F:A6F02AD83191E160D69B1F93921B4F30E55ED32ED25AB8F6&
 
Al-Jazeera TV reports rebel gunmen are roaming Mogadishu's streets,
causing many residents to pack up and leave 
In Somalia, militant Islamists have captured a key town from forces that
back the country's fragile government. Islamic fighters take up
positions near the presidential palace during clashes with
pro-government forces in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, 14 May 2009
Witnesses say the insurgent group al-Shabab seized the town of Jowhar
Sunday after attacking a pro-government Islamist militia. Reports from
the area say at least three people died in the fighting, and that armed
al-Shabab fighters are now patrolling the streets. Jowhar is 90
kilometers north of the capital, Mogadishu, where the government
controls only select areas after weeks of heavy fighting. Earlier
Sunday, Somali officials said a key Islamist militia leader has defected
to the government, a major boost for the fragile state. Authorities say
Sheikh Yusuf Indahaadde left the insurgents on Saturday. The government
still faces a tough battle against al-Shabab and other insurgent groups
striving to establish an Islamic state. Al-Shabab and its allies control
most of southern and central Somalia after a nearly two and a half year
insurgency. Somalia has not had a stable central government since
1991.Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.

 


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