Friday, June 04, 2010
Bulahawo Town, just two kilometres from the Kenyan border, is controlled by the anti-government al Shaabab group.
However, residents say the pro-government Ahlu-Suna Waljamaa militia has been moving fighters into the area from nearby Dolow Town.
Some of fleeing residents are crossing into Kenya while others are heading for refugee camps in Ethiopia.
Although North Eastern PC James ole Serian confirmed that the Somalis were abandoning their homes, he denied that they were crossing into Kenya.
Mr Serian said the displacement was on Somali soil.
The groups are fighting for control of the strategic town located in Somalia’s Gedo.
The tension in the area followed reports that forces loyal to Ahlu-sunna and some from Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government are attempting to dislodge al Shabaab.
“We are fleeing the town now as we fear a heavy battle is likely,” said Farah Dodi, a resident of Bulahawo, on phone.
At least 500 Somali government fighters recently underwent training in neighbouring Ethiopia and there are reports that they could join the battle for Bulahawo.
Rising tension
The rising tension has made local residents in Mandera Town to brace for a possible spillover of the fighting while police are on high alert to prevent any infiltration.
Al Shabaab has regularly accused Kenya of interfering in the affairs of Somalia and threatened to attack it.
The militia has carried out its threats on a number of occasions and last week attacked Dadajabula area in Wajir District, wounding five people.
Source: Daily Nation