Attacks in Somalia

Last December, a war began between the Ethiopian government and the forces of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU). The Ethiopian government provided forces to support the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) who were engaged in fighting with the ICU in the coastal areas of southern Somalia, areas under ICU control. Since then, the fighting has raged on in the city of Mogadishu - the capital of Somalia.

According to a Human Rights Watch article last week, fighting still continues in Mogadishu, Somalia, even though a cease fire is supposed to be in effect. The fighting continues between the Ethiopian military, the Somalian government and ICU groups in Mogadishu. Shelling and mortar attacks on heavily populated areas have killed and injured hundreds of civilians. The United Nations reports that nearly 400 people have died in the recent fighting and thousands are fleeing. The UN reports that more than 100,000 people have fled the areas where attacks continue to occur and are living under trees or whatever shelter they can find. Although there appears to be a temporary cease fire, people anticipate that fighting will continue. Most airstrips around Mogadishu have been closed down, making it difficult for humanitarian aid to reach those who are displaced, and with the long rains approaching, shelter is a major concern for these displaced people. The most vulnerable among these displaced and fleeing people are women and children.

Click here to view the most recent Human Rights Watch article on Somalia. Click here to view the most recent UN news report on Somalia.