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Insurgents And Ethiopian Troops Clash in Mogadishu

Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu)
NEWS
March 13, 2007
Posted to the web March 13, 2007

By Aweys Osman Yusuf
Mogadishu
At least six persons were wounded after heavy gunfight between Ethiopian forces
and Somali insurgents took place around Banadir junction, south of Mogadishu on
Tuesday.
Abdiaziz, a resident in Banadir neighborhood, told Shabelle that the Ethiopian
military convoy was on the road to Afgoi, southern Somalia, when they were
attacked by unknown gunmen.
"The Ethiopians fired back and the gunfight lasted in 20 minutes," Abdiaziz
said, adding that he saw five people who were wounded by the cross-fire being
rushed to Medina hospital nearby.
Despite the attack, the Ethiopian convoy went on with its trip.
The news came as Ethiopian premier, Meles Zenawi, told the press that the
remaining Ethiopian troops would be withdrawn from Somalia immediately.
"We are looking forward to withdraw our left two third troops," he said.
Regarding the continuous attack on AU's Ugandan peacekeepers since their
arrival and other attacks in the capital Mogadishu, Meles said the situation on
the ground is not as exaggerated as the media presented it.
"Not a single Ugandan soldier was harmed. I don't see anything that can hinder
the peace and reconciliation process in the country," he said.


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