Somali militia leader retakes town

The government employ militiamen for protection

There has been fierce fighting near a town north of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, after it was briefly taken by forces loyal to the newly-established government.

Reports say at least eight militiamen were wounded in fighting between forces loyal to President Abdulkassim Salad Hassan and those of the militia leader, Muse Sudi Yalahow.

Mr Yalahow said his forces were now in control of the town of Balad, which lies about 35km north of Mogadishu.

Earlier in the day, pro-government forces had occupied it, meeting no resistance.

A military figure on the government side said his forces had moved into Balad to intercept weapons and not to capture the town.

The whereabouts of Muse Sudi Yalahow is not known.

Mr Yalahow, whose faction controls parts of the Karan and Medina districts of Mogadishu as well as areas to the north of the capital, is among the warlords who strongly opposes President Abdulkassim Salat Hassan's interim administration.

It is the first Mr Abdulkassim's militia have made such a move since the election of a transitional government from strife-torn Somalia in neighbouring Djibouti last August.

Ethiopian connection

There has been no official explanation of the government's action but it is thought to have been a pre-emptive strike following reports of Mr Yalahow's faction acquiring weapons from Ethiopia.

The new government wants to restore peace and stability

One of Mr Yalahow's supporters told our correspondent the weapons had already arrived in Somalia and were being guarded in the Gololey village area north of Bal'ad.

It is not known whether the alleged smuggled weapons were bought on the black market.

Mr Yalahow's faction has in the past received support from the Ethiopian Government.

Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia had improved after Mr Abdulkassim paid a three-day visit to Addis Ababa although the Ethiopian Government has not yet recognised Mr Abdulkassim's administration.