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| |conflict=Battle of Mogadishu (2009) | |conflict=Battle of Mogadishu (2009) | ||
| |partof=], ] | |partof=], ] | ||
| |date=] – |
|date=] – present | ||
| |image= | |image= | ||
| |place=], ] | |place=], ] | ||
| |caption=Current situation of the war in Somalia | |caption=Current situation of the war in Somalia | ||
| |result= |
|result=Ongoing; Insurgents gain control of 1/3 of the city<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8062883.stm</ref> but fail to overthrow the government. | ||
| |territory=Rebels capture Northern Mogadishu (they already controlled the South), the government stays in control of a few square kilometers. | |territory=Rebels capture Northern Mogadishu (they already controlled the South), the government stays in control of a few square kilometers. | ||
| |combatant1= | |combatant1= | ||
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| {{Campaignbox War in Somalia (2009–)}} | {{Campaignbox War in Somalia (2009–)}} | ||
| The '''Battle of Mogadishu (2009)''' started when rebels from ] and ] attacked and captured government bases in the capital of ], the fighting soon spread causing hundreds of casualties. It ended up becoming the largest battle in Mogadishu since the ]n withdrawal in January. The battle lasted from 7 May to 14 May and ended with rebels from al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam taking over most of the capital, while ] and ] forces withdrew into ] protected territories. Despite major gains, the rebels however failed to topple the government during the eight days of fighting. | The '''Battle of Mogadishu (2009)''' started when rebels from ] and ] attacked and captured government bases in the capital of ], the fighting soon spread causing hundreds of casualties. It ended up becoming the largest battle in Mogadishu since the ]n withdrawal in January. The battle lasted from 7 May to 14 May and ended with rebels from al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam taking over most of the capital, while ] and ] forces withdrew into ] protected territories. Despite major gains, the rebels however failed to topple the government during the eight days of fighting, and the government was quick to launch a counter-offensive on May 22. | ||
| ==The Battle== | ==The Battle== | ||
| === Islamist offensive === | |||
| The Battle started on ], as pro-government Islamist forces and al-Shabaab militants fought over ].<ref>] , May 9, 2009</ref> This came after an al-Shabaab commander was gunned down. On ] both sides started amassing their forces in the city.<ref>] , 8 May, 2009</ref> That day 15 people were killed and 50 injured. ], Somalia's president, accepted a ceasefire that day, proposed by the Islamic mediation committee. However al-Shabaab continued fighting, as they were on the winning hand.<ref>] , 8 May, 2009</ref> | The Battle started on ], as pro-government Islamist forces and al-Shabaab militants fought over ].<ref>] , May 9, 2009</ref> This came after an al-Shabaab commander was gunned down. On ] both sides started amassing their forces in the city.<ref>] , 8 May, 2009</ref> That day 15 people were killed and 50 injured. ], Somalia's president, accepted a ceasefire that day, proposed by the Islamic mediation committee. However al-Shabaab continued fighting, as they were on the winning hand.<ref>] , 8 May, 2009</ref> | ||
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| ], heavy fighting broke out between al-Shabaab and TFG soldiers in the Sinaay and Jardinka areas in northern Mogadishu.<ref>] , 14 May, 2009</ref> Fighting continued around the presidential palace(in Wardhigley). Locals reported that AMISOM forces shelled buildings around it, which were being used by al-Shabaab to fire mortars at the palace. However, ] spokesman Barigye Ba-Hoku, denied any involvement in the fighting or shelling. A witness said 10 rebels and at least 3 government soldiers were killed during these clashes.<ref>] , 14 May, 2009</ref> Other reports say a toal of 10 people were killed in the fighint (including civilians) and 30 people were wounded, including two reporters. The Islamist rebels continued to make gains<ref>], 14 May, 2009</ref> and the fighting started to spread to other districts, most notably, Kaaraan.<ref>] , 15 May</ref> In Yaqshid the fighting became so bad that the international medical humanitarian organization ] had to close down their outpatient clinic there to ensure it's medical staff doesn't get caught in the cross-fire. By the time, Yaqshid had been mostly deserted.<ref>] , May 15, 2009</ref> By the end of the day, calm returned to Mogadishu and roads were re-opened, the battle was over.<ref>] , 15 May, 2009</ref> This came as the fighting shifted to ].<ref>] , 15 May, 2009</ref> Due to government forces' poor performance, Somalia's top military commander, General ] (better known as Said Dere) resigned. He was replaced by ].<ref>] , 14 May, 2009</ref> | ], heavy fighting broke out between al-Shabaab and TFG soldiers in the Sinaay and Jardinka areas in northern Mogadishu.<ref>] , 14 May, 2009</ref> Fighting continued around the presidential palace(in Wardhigley). Locals reported that AMISOM forces shelled buildings around it, which were being used by al-Shabaab to fire mortars at the palace. However, ] spokesman Barigye Ba-Hoku, denied any involvement in the fighting or shelling. A witness said 10 rebels and at least 3 government soldiers were killed during these clashes.<ref>] , 14 May, 2009</ref> Other reports say a toal of 10 people were killed in the fighint (including civilians) and 30 people were wounded, including two reporters. The Islamist rebels continued to make gains<ref>], 14 May, 2009</ref> and the fighting started to spread to other districts, most notably, Kaaraan.<ref>] , 15 May</ref> In Yaqshid the fighting became so bad that the international medical humanitarian organization ] had to close down their outpatient clinic there to ensure it's medical staff doesn't get caught in the cross-fire. By the time, Yaqshid had been mostly deserted.<ref>] , May 15, 2009</ref> By the end of the day, calm returned to Mogadishu and roads were re-opened, the battle was over.<ref>] , 15 May, 2009</ref> This came as the fighting shifted to ].<ref>] , 15 May, 2009</ref> Due to government forces' poor performance, Somalia's top military commander, General ] (better known as Said Dere) resigned. He was replaced by ].<ref>] , 14 May, 2009</ref> | ||
| === Government counter-offensive === | |||
| Pro-government forces in Somalia launched a major attack against Islamist militants controlling parts of Mogadishu on May 22. At least seven people, one of them a local journalist from Radio Shabelle, were killed.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8062883.stm</ref> | |||
| == See also == | == See also == | ||
Revision as of 15:39, 22 May 2009
| Somali civil war (2009–present) | |
|---|---|
|
The Battle of Mogadishu (2009) started when rebels from al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam attacked and captured government bases in the capital of Mogadishu, the fighting soon spread causing hundreds of casualties. It ended up becoming the largest battle in Mogadishu since the Ethiopian withdrawal in January. The battle lasted from 7 May to 14 May and ended with rebels from al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam taking over most of the capital, while ICU and government forces withdrew into AMISOM protected territories. Despite major gains, the rebels however failed to topple the government during the eight days of fighting, and the government was quick to launch a counter-offensive on May 22.
The Battle
Islamist offensive
The Battle started on May 7, as pro-government Islamist forces and al-Shabaab militants fought over Mogadishu stadium. This came after an al-Shabaab commander was gunned down. On 8 May both sides started amassing their forces in the city. That day 15 people were killed and 50 injured. Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, Somalia's president, accepted a ceasefire that day, proposed by the Islamic mediation committee. However al-Shabaab continued fighting, as they were on the winning hand.
May 9, at least seven people were killed and 10 were injured as pro-government Islamists and other Islamist rebels fought for control of Yaqshid police station in north Mogadishu. The fighting soon spread to other parts of the city and Medina hospital said that 120 injured people were brought to there. The fighting came as government forces attacked the police station which was under control of the Hizbul Islam, rebel group. On the same day, a gunbattle was held along Industry Road in Mogadishu between al-Shabaab and the ICU, al-Shabaab fighters were said to include foreign fighters (Arabs, Afghans and Pakistanis). Masked gunmen, then gunned down and killed two ICU millitamen in the Bakara market. Also the homes of MP Mohamud Mire and MP Yusuf Hayle were attacked, the lawmakers were unharmed but 6 people, including a bodyguard were injured.
May 10, during the fourth day of battle, at least 10 people were killed and 30 injured, 5 of which, were injured during a mortar attack. Most of the fighting was centered in the Wardhigley district as explosions targetted a Somali MP's convoy, two people were killed and three injured. The attack came as the MP traveled passed a Hizbul Islam police station. A mortar which hit a house in Ged-jacel killed 1 and injured 3. Hundreds of civilians fled the fighting in Yaqshid and Wardhigley districts this day. Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam were said to have taken control of many government bases and large parts of the city.
May 11, Abdifatah Ibrahim Shaweye, the deputy governor of Banadir region said that his men had taken control of an Ex-control Afgoi checkpoint in Southern Mogadishu, from Islamist fighters. Ex-control Afgoi is a key checkpoint that that connects the main road of Mogadishu to the town of Afgoi. Also Mortar shells were fired at the Presidential palace, but caused no casualties. Gunfire was also exchanged at the palace. Further the two sides clashed in the Wardhigley, Yaqshid (particulary in the Fagah intersection) and Hodan districts of the city. Insurgents also attacked Jalle Siyad Academy, a base of Burundian troops from AMISOM. 15 were killed when a mortar shell hit a mosque in Wardhigley. Rebels then made large gains, taking control of the ex-Defense Ministry building, Stadium Mogadishu and Wardhigley police station as ICU millitiamen were forced to flee. Rebels also took controll of Industry Road and 30th Avenue, the two most important roads in Mogadishu. Three journalists were injured as a shell fired by ICU millitia hit a building were a press conference was being held by senior al-Shabaab commander: Ali Dheere, who was telling about the major gains their forces had made that day. Ali "Dheere" was among those who were wounded by the shelling. Sheikh Abubakar Sayli'i, the (al-Shabaab appointed) mayor of Kismayo said that the fighting in Mogadishu would not end until "the Mujahedeen have taken over Mogadishu", he also said that Islamists had send weapons and fighters from Kisimayo as reinforcements to Mogadishu. Casualties at this time hit 60 killed and 100 injured. Thousands of civilians fled the city this day, mostly in the Yaqshid district. Meanwhile, President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed said the government was making efforts to end the fighting.
May 12, the civilian death toll hit 113, with 345 being injured. Also, 15 pro-government fighters and 19 foreign insurgents, 12 Pakistanis and seven Yemenis, had been killed. As al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam had taken control of key areas and roads in Southern Mogadishu and some areas in Northern Mogadishu. It was also reported that at least 27,500 people had fled their homes since 7 May. The displacement was said to be caused by indiscriminate shelling, as heavy shelling hit the city on 11 May. Meanwhile reinforcements arrived from Kisimayo as Hassan Turki, leader of the Ras Kamboni Brigades (which is now a part of Hizbul Islam) and a notorious militant commander in the Jubba regeons arrived with reinforcements for Hizbul Islam, from Kisimayo.
May 13, at least 11 people were injured in a gunbattle between ICU and al-Shabaab militants at 4 Jardin intersection, this sparked violence in the rest of Yaqshid. The fighting ended with al-Shabaab taking control of the contested areas. Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam militants attacked Villa Somalia, the presidential palace, with a force which came from outside the city. They failed to capture it, however they did manage to take control of almost all of the city, the government was still in control of only a few square kilometers of the city, which is defended by AMISOM peacekeepers. 10 people were killed and 76 injured, in the clashes at the palace. Also, government soldiers attacked rebel positions near the Sinay intersection but they were defeated and rebels then took control of Suk Ba'ad, Mogadishu's second-largest market. During these clashes, at least 8 people were killed and 20 injured. Government officials described the latest rounds of violence as a "failed coup" and vowed they would crush the opposition which they described as "Islamic gangs".
May 14, heavy fighting broke out between al-Shabaab and TFG soldiers in the Sinaay and Jardinka areas in northern Mogadishu. Fighting continued around the presidential palace(in Wardhigley). Locals reported that AMISOM forces shelled buildings around it, which were being used by al-Shabaab to fire mortars at the palace. However, AU spokesman Barigye Ba-Hoku, denied any involvement in the fighting or shelling. A witness said 10 rebels and at least 3 government soldiers were killed during these clashes. Other reports say a toal of 10 people were killed in the fighint (including civilians) and 30 people were wounded, including two reporters. The Islamist rebels continued to make gains and the fighting started to spread to other districts, most notably, Kaaraan. In Yaqshid the fighting became so bad that the international medical humanitarian organization Médecins Sans Frontières had to close down their outpatient clinic there to ensure it's medical staff doesn't get caught in the cross-fire. By the time, Yaqshid had been mostly deserted. By the end of the day, calm returned to Mogadishu and roads were re-opened, the battle was over. This came as the fighting shifted to Hiraan. Due to government forces' poor performance, Somalia's top military commander, General Said Mohamed Hersi (better known as Said Dere) resigned. He was replaced by Yusuf Hussein Dumal.
Government counter-offensive
Pro-government forces in Somalia launched a major attack against Islamist militants controlling parts of Mogadishu on May 22. At least seven people, one of them a local journalist from Radio Shabelle, were killed.
See also
| Somali civil war (2009–present) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Timeline | |
| Background | |
| Operations and battles |
|
| Attacks |
|
| OEF–HOA | |
| Other events | |
| Key players | |
| |
United States 
References
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8062883.stm
- google Somali fighting kills 113 civilians in past 3 days, 13 May, 2009
- reuters Clashes in Somalia kill 139 civilians, May 14, 2009
- google Somali fighting kills 113 civilians in past 3 days, 13 May, 2009
- reuters Clashes in Somalia kill 139 civilians, May 14, 2009
- reuters Clashes in Somalia kill 139 civilians, May 14, 2009
- http://allafrica.com/stories/200905120913.html
- http://allafrica.com/stories/200905150650.html
- allafrica Number of Displaced in Capital Reaches 45,000 - UN
- allafrica Fresh Fighting Starts in Mogadishu, May 9, 2009
- allafrica Calm Returns to Mogadishu, 8 May, 2009
- allafrica President 'Accepts Ceasefire', Death Toll Hits 15, 8 May, 2009
- allafrica Seven Killed in Fighting Between Rival Islamists in the Capital, 9 May, 2009
- allafrica Street Battles, Targeted Killings in Mogadishu, 9 May, 2009
- allafrica Six Wounded As Lawmakers' Mogadishu Homes Attacked, 10 May, 2009
- allafrica Heavy Fighting is Underway in Mogadishu for the Fourth Day, 10 May, 2009
- allafrica Large Displacement Starts in Mogadishu, 10 May, 2009
- allafrica Banadir Administration Says They Took Control Over Key Checkpoint, 11 May, 2009
- allafrica Sporadic Fighting in Parts of Mogadishu, 11 May, 2009
- allafrica Banadir Administration Says They Took Control Over Key Checkpoint, 11 May, 2009
- allafrica Heavy Shelling Starts in Mogadishu, 11 May, 2009
- allafrica Sporadic Fighting in Parts of Mogadishu, 11 May
- allafrica Islamists, 'Foreign Fighters' Make Gains in Mogadishu, 11 May, 2009
- allafrica Kismayo Islamists Send Weapons, Fighters to Mogadishu War, 11 May, 2009
- allafrica Thousands Displaced From Their Homes in Mogadishu, 12 May, 2009
- allafrica President Talks About Mogadishu Fighting, 11 May, 2009
- google Somali fighting kills 113 civilians in past 3 days, 13 May, 2009
- allafrica 113 Killed in 5-Day Mogadishu Battles - Human Rights Group, 12 May, 2009
- allafrica Thousands Flee Mogadishu Shelling, 12 May, 2009
- allafrica Al Shabaab Registering 'Jihad Recruits', 17 May
- allafrica Fresh Fighting Starts in Mogadishu, 13 May, 2009
- Voice of America Insurgents in Somalia Attack Presidential Compound, 13 May, 2009
- Press TV Somali rebels 'close to topple government', 14 May, 2009
- allafrica Al Shabaab Leader Speaks, More Fighting in Mogadishu, 13 May, 2009
- Al Jazeera Deadly clashes continue in Somalia, 13 May, 2009
- allafrica Death Toll Rising Following Renewed Heavy Fighting in Capital - UN, 15 May, 2009
- allafrica Government Vows It Will Defeat Opposition, 15 May, 2009
- allafrica Clashes Erupt in Mogadishu, 14 May, 2009
- reuters Clashes in Somalia kill 139 civilians, 14 May, 2009
- allafrica10 Killed in Continued Mogadishu Clashes, Military Chief Replaced, 14 May, 2009
- allafrica Large Displacement Still Continues in Mogadishu, 15 May
- allafrica Renewed Heavy Fighting in Capital Affects Many, May 15, 2009
- allafrica http://allafrica.com/stories/200905150155.html Calm Returns to Mogadishu, 15 May, 2009
- allafrica Pro-Government Islamists Battle Al Shabaab in Central Region, 15 May, 2009
- allafrica Government Resigns Military Commander, 14 May, 2009
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8062883.stm