NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Rise of the Islamic Courts Union (2006)

The Rise of the Islamic Courts Union (2006) is the latest period in the Somali Civil War. It began in May 2006 with the Islamic Courts Union's (ICU) conquest of Mogadishu. As of December 24, 2006, direct Ethiopian intervention in the conflict is no longer denied by the Ethiopian government.^[1] While The Eritrean government denies any involvement. ^[12], there are rumors that 2000 Eritrean are aiding the ICU. Abdi Hasan Awale Qeybdiid is a Somali warlord whose forces fought on behalf of the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism against the Islamic Courts Union in the 2nd Battle of Mogadishu. ... A technical in Liberia. ... A technical in Liberia. ... The Somali Civil War is an armed conflict in Somalia that started in 1988. ... Combatants Somali National Army (SNA) under Siad Barre; after Barres exile and return forces later known as Somali National Front (SNF) Revolutionary groups: Somali National Movement (SNM) Somali Patriot Movement (SPM) United Somalia Congress (USC) Somali Democratic Front (SDF) Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF) Commanders Siad Barre Ahmad Mahammad... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Following the civil war and the ensuing anarchy, some factions managed to exert a degree of hegemonial authority over certain regions of Somalia where they maintained broad, clan-based support. ... Combatants Islamic Courts Union Pro-Islamist militias Alleged: Eritrea Foreign jihadists Puntland Galmudug Transitional Government of Somalia Ethiopia[1] Commanders Hassan Aweys Hasan Hersi Adan Ayrow Barre Adan Shire Hirale Abdi Qeybdid Adde Musa (Puntland) Meles Zenawi Strength 10,000 â€“ 30,000 soldiers 500 â€“ 2000 technicals Heavy weapons including artillery... Operation Provide Relief (UNOSOM I) was a United Nation (UN) sponsored effort to provide humanitarian relief for the people of Somalia who were facing a severe famine, initiated and exacerbated by the ongoing Somoli civil war. ... Operation Deliverance was a Canadian Forces military operation initiated in 1992, supported by the United Nations. ... Combatants USSOF, UNOSOM II Somali National Alliance-affiliated militias Commanders William F. Garrison Mohamed Farrah Aidid Strength 160 2,000+ Casualties U.S. 18 killed 73 wounded 1 captured Malaysia 1 killed 7 wounded Pakistan 2 wounded Militia and civilians 1,000+ killed 3,000+ wounded Task Force Ranger achieved... Combatants Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism Militia loyal to the Islamic Court Union Commanders Mohamed Qanyare, Muse Sudi, Nuur Daqle Sheikh Sharif Ahmed Strength unknown unknown Casualties unknown unknown The Second Battle of Mogadishu was a battle fought for control of Mogadishu, the capital city of... Combatants Islamic Courts Union Pro-Islamist Militias Foreign fighters Alleged: Eritrea Transitional Federal Government Ethiopia[1] Casualties 700 dead or wounded (TFG claim) SomaliNet 400 killed (ICU claim) [1] The Battle of Baidoa began on December 20, 2006 when the Somali Transitional Federal Governments forces (TFG) allied with Ethiopian... The Somali Civil War is an armed conflict in Somalia that started in 1988. ... Motto: none Anthem: none Capital (and largest city) Mogadishu Somali and Arabic Government - Executive Chairman Sharif Sheikh Ahmed - Shura Chairman Hassan Dahir Aweys Civil War Faction Has not declared autonomy nor independence - Established June 6th 2006 in Mogadishu Area - Total not finalized/civil war kmÂ² (not ranked) n/a sq... Combatants Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism Militia loyal to the Islamic Court Union Commanders Mohamed Qanyare, Muse Sudi, Nuur Daqle Sheikh Sharif Ahmed Strength unknown unknown Casualties unknown unknown The Second Battle of Mogadishu was a battle fought for control of Mogadishu, the capital city of... Combatants Islamic Courts Union Pro-Islamist militias Alleged: Eritrea Foreign jihadists Puntland Galmudug Transitional Government of Somalia Ethiopia[1] Commanders Hassan Aweys, Hasan Hersi Barre Adan Shire Hirale Abdi Qeybdid Adde Musa (Puntland) Meles Zenawi Strength 10,000 â€“ 30,000 soldiers 500 â€“ 2000 technicals Heavy weapons including artillery, GTA and...

Origins

The rise of the Islamic Courts in Somalia began in the mid 1990s with the alliance of a group of Muslim legal scholars and business people led by Hassan Aweys (former leader of the AIAI) and Sharif Ahmed, with two other powerful elements: Yusuf Mohammed Siad "Indha'adde" the self-declared governor of Shabeellaha Hoose, and the militant Islamist group al-Itihaad al-Islamiya led by Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki, forming the Islamic Courts Union. Germans dancing on the Berlin Wall in late 1989, the symbol of the cold war divide falls down as the world unites in the 1990s. ... Mr. ... Al-Itihaad al-Islamiya (Arabic: Unity of Islam or AIAI) was an Islamist militant group in Somalia. ... Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed (born July 25, 1964) is the leader of the Islamic Court Union (ICU), which currently controls Somalias capital of Mogadishu. ... Location of Shabeellaha Hoose in Somalia Lower Shabele (Somali: Shabeellaha Hoose; Arabic: â€Ž ) is an administrative region (gobolka) in southern Somalia. ... Al-Itihaad al-Islamiya (Arabic: Unity of Islam or AIAI) was an Islamist militant group in Somalia. ...

Initially these three distinct elements maintained separate leadership, In July 2006, the Union of Islamic Courts and the AIAI merged to form the Supreme Islamic Courts Council (SICC). By the end of September Indha'adde's voluntary annexed his warlordship to the SICC, which created a larger unified organization.

Against them are posed the Transitional Federal Government, and the breakaway region of Puntland, plus other individual warlords and tribes.

Course of the conflict

Until September, the conflict was limited to the Benadir region, and pitted petty warlord and pirate fiefdoms in a one-sided battle against the Islamic Courts, often with the local populace supporting the Islamists. Benadir is a coastal region of Somalia. ...

The ICU's capture of Kismayo brought them into an irresolvable conflict with the newly declared Jubaland and the Juba Valley Alliance forces. The JVA withdrew in the face of an overwhelming ICU army in the hopes that, when returning in full force, the JVA would be strong enough to retake Kismayo. In the ensuing battles outside of Bu'alle and Kismayo however, the JVA proved to be no match for the ICU, who defeated them easily. JVA forces began to crumble by November, as JVA militias began defecting to the ICU. By November 14, entire Marehan subclans began defecting to the ICU, setting up courts in Bardhere and Afmadow. This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Jubaland (also Jubbaland, Trans-Juba, It: Oltre Giuba) is the southwesternmost part of Somalia, on the far side of the Jubba River (thus the trans- name), bordering on Kenya. ... November 14 is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 47 days remaining until the end of the year. ... The Marehan (Somali: Mareexaan) (Ahmed bin Abdirahman bin Ismail bin Ibrahim al Jaberti) a Somali clan, is one of the major Darod subclans and part of the Sade clan family. ...

Puntland entered the conflict on November 12, attacking ICU positions south of Galkacayo. This led to immediate setbacks for Puntland as they lost several important pieces of military hardware including two tanks and many technicals. Puntland stepped up their deployment to the border significantly. Motto: None Anthem(s): Puntland Somalian National Anthem Capital Garowe Largest city Bosaso Official language(s) Somali and Arabic Government - President Mohamud Muse Hersi - Vice-President Hasan Dahir Independence From Somalia - Declared 1998 - Recognition none Area - Total ~250,000 kmÂ² (not ranked) n/a sq mi - Water (%) Negl. ... November 12 is the 316th day of the year (317th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 49 days remaining. ...

Southwestern Somalia and their military forces, the Rahanweyn Resistance Army, sat out the conflict entirely other than deploying several hundred troops in Baidoa to defend the city until December 1st. On December 1st 350 RRA soldiers defected to the ICU, along with the entire district of Dinsoor. A division of pro-Government RRA soldiers may still be deployed in support of the government at Baidoa, but this is unclear, as the overall RRA commander has opposed the government rather openly since the end of October. The RRA has a longstanding "wait and see" policy when it comes to involvement outside Rahanweyn clan territory, so alignment towards the ICU may tip the scales dramatically in favor of the ICU. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Rahanwein Resistance Army. ...

Though the ICU has been somewhat bellicose towards Somaliland, due to their alleged ill treatment of a respected Jihadist religious leader in Somaliland, and Somaliland has been quite hostile to the ICU whom they term "false prophets", Somaliland took no direct role in the conflict. Somaliland is traditionally the heartland of the AIAI, and support is quite high for the ICU in Somaliland territory, and conflict may occur in the future.

Ethiopian involvement

Ethiopian troops moved into Somalian territory on July 20, 2006^[13]. July 20 is the 201st day (202nd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 164 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Somalia's interim government is currently resisting militant advances by the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) forces north to the last unoccupied city of Baidoa. The fighting intensified into direct confrontations on December 8th as ICU and Ethiopian troops backed by government forces clashed in Dinsoor and near Galkayo. Baidoa (Somali: Baydhabo) is a city in south-central Somalia, situated 256 kilometers (159 miles) by road northwest of the capital Mogadishu. ... Gaalkacyo is the second largest city in Puntland, Somalia, with an estimated population of 190,000. ...

Both the Transitional Government(TFG) and the Islamic Courts Union had taken great pains to avoid direct confrontation between ICU and TFG forces, preferring until December 8th to attack proxy and allied forces.

The ICU invasion of Hiran, Southwestern Somalia and Jubaland technically did not violate the ceasefire as those forces had not submitted territorial control to the government, despite ruling the territories in their name, and the TNG invasion of Burhakaba attacked tribal militias allied to the ICU, but was at that point not ICU territory. This mutual following of the letter of the peace agreement, while ignoring the spirit of the peace agreement, has increased tension to a fever pitch, though both sides feel unwilling to fire the first shot and be seen as the aggressor.

Differing interpretations of the peace agreement have led to a tense situation, as the opponents view their adversaries as not being committed to negotiation.

United States involvement

US interests in Somalia date back to funding and military backing of the regime of Siad Barre in the 1970s.^[14] After the UN interventions of the 1990s, the US has mainly avoided involvement in the nation. The IGAD Peace Support Mission to Somalia or IGASOM, is an Intergovernmental Authority on Development regional peacekeeping force to Somalia which was approved by the African Union on September 14, 2006. ... Main articles: Somali Civil War (2006), Battle of Baidoa, and Ethiopian intervention in the Somali Civil War The Somali Civil War began in 1988. ... Mohamed Siad Barre (Somali: Maxamed Siyaad Barre) (1919 â€“ January 2, 1995) was the Head of State of Somalia from 1969 to 1991. ...

Officially, the present United States' interest in the Horn of Africa region comprises desires for stability and peace in Somalia, including support of the establishment of a new government under the Transitional Federal Government, passage of the UN Security Council resolution to deploy an African-led peacekeeping force known as IGASOM, delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as warnings against the spread of extremist and terrorist groups in the region, including Al-Qaeda. Nations of the Horn of Africa. ... The Transitional Federal Parliament is an interim parliament of Somalia formed in neighbouring Kenya in 2004. ... A session of the Security Council in progress The United Nations Security Council is the most powerful organ of the United Nations. ... The IGAD Peace Support Mission to Somalia or IGASOM, is an Intergovernmental Authority on Development regional peacekeeping force to Somalia which was approved by the African Union on September 14, 2006. ... Combatants NATO and allies, represented by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa is the official name used by the US government for a component of its response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on... Al-Qaeda (Arabic: القاعدة, the foundation or the base) is the name given to a worldwide network of militant Islamist organizations under the leadership of Osama bin Laden. ...

As part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa was established in Djibouti. It serves to monitor and check the spread of terrorism, as well as deal with piracy. It has also undertaken humanitarian missions in the region, but it has no mandate towards the conflict in Somalia. The US denies any direct military operations in Somalia, or in neighboring Kenya^[15] ^[16], and stated that it has no intention of deploying troops to Somalia.^[17] Combatants United States Canada United Kingdom Philippines (in the Philippines theatre only) Northern Alliance Taliban al-Qaeda Abu Sayyaf Jemaah Islamiyah Commanders General Tommy Franks Brig. ...

Regarding the conflict in Somalia there are allegations, both by the ICU as well as in western circles, of U.S. support of Ethiopian intervention. Evidence of favoritism in the conflict cited by Jonathan S. Landay and Shashank Bengali of the McClatchy Newspapers include:

The McClatchy article went on to cite U.S. politicians have played a part in American policy surrounding the conflict. Former majority leader in the GOP-run House of Representatives, Dick Armey, has been lobbying for Ethiopia and working to block a vote on a bipartisan bill (HR 5680) entitled "Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2006" to cut U.S. security aid to Ethiopia if it failed to halt political repression. The Bush administration also opposed the bill.^[19]^[20] Main articles: Somali Civil War (2006), Battle of Baidoa, and Ethiopian intervention in the Somali Civil War The Somali Civil War began in 1988. ... John Philip Abizaid (Arabic: Ø¬ÙˆÙ† Ø£Ø¨ÙŠ Ø²ÙŠØ¯) (born April 1, 1951) is a General in the United States Army and the Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), overseeing American military operations in a 27-country region, from the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, to South and Central Asia, covering much... Meles Zenawi (Legesse Zenawi Asres) (Geez áˆ˜áˆˆáˆµ á‹œáŠ“á‹Š meles zÄ“nÄwÄ«) (b. ... This article is about the modern United States Republican Party. ... House of Representatives is a name used for legislative bodies in many countries. ... Dick Armey on NBCs Meet the Press. ...

United States opposition to the formation of an Islamic Somalia led to the CIA making secret payments to aid Somali warlords in early 2006 organized under the name Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT). Disclosure of these payments to warlords helped galvanize the ICU's opposition and created public support for the Islamists amongst Somalis. This led directly to fueling the Second Battle of Mogadishu, fought between May and June 2006. The result was the driving of the ARPCT forces from Mogadishu, and the militant rise of the ICU.^[21] The Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT) is a Somali alliance made by powerfull warlords and businesspeople, while some of them were ministers in the transitional federal government of Somalia. ... Combatants Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism Militia loyal to the Islamic Court Union Commanders Mohamed Qanyare, Muse Sudi, Nuur Daqle Sheikh Sharif Ahmed Strength unknown unknown Casualties unknown unknown The Second Battle of Mogadishu was a battle fought for control of Mogadishu, the capital city of...

Diplomatic and Humanitarian Efforts

A number of regional and international expressions and efforts, such as by the UN and EU, have attempted to stem the tide of war. Other efforts, such as by the ICRC, seek to alleviate the humanitarian suffering and ameliorate the crisis caused by the conflict. Main articles: Somali Civil War (2006), Battle of Baidoa, and Ethiopian intervention in the Somali Civil War The Somali Civil War began in 1988. ...

Timeline

Second Battle of Mogadishu (May - June 2006)

Combatants Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism Militia loyal to the Islamic Court Union Commanders Mohamed Qanyare, Muse Sudi, Nuur Daqle Sheikh Sharif Ahmed Strength unknown unknown Casualties unknown unknown The Second Battle of Mogadishu was a battle fought for control of Mogadishu, the capital city of...

June 4, 2006

The Courts and an alliance of Mogadishu warlords (formally gathering under the title Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism in February 2006) had fought sporadically for years in minor turf battles over Mogadishu districts. By March 2006 this had escalated to a decisive street war. This led to major hostilities escalating in May dubbed the Second Battle of Mogadishu. June 4 is the 155th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (156th in leap years), with 210 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 90 KB)next >>> Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 90 KB)next >>> Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... June 4 is the 155th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (156th in leap years), with 210 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT) is a Somali alliance made by powerfull warlords and businesspeople, while some of them were ministers in the transitional federal government of Somalia. ... Combatants Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism Militia loyal to the Islamic Court Union Commanders Mohamed Qanyare, Muse Sudi, Nuur Daqle Sheikh Sharif Ahmed Strength unknown unknown Casualties unknown unknown The Second Battle of Mogadishu was a battle fought for control of Mogadishu, the capital city of...

The Baidoa government's prime minister, Ali Mohammed Ghedi, demanded that the warlords cease fighting the ICU, but this command was universally ignored and so Gedi dismissed them from Parliament^[22]. Ali Mohammed Ghedi or Mohammed Ali Ghedi (Somali: ; born 1952) is a veterinary surgeon and an African Union official; he was relatively unknown in political circles when he was appointed as Prime Minister of Somalia in November 2004. ...

The battles for each of Mogadishu's districts were bloody and vicious and caused significant collateral damage, with hundreds killed or wounded in the crossfire. As the months crawled by however, the Islamic Courts began to gain the upper hand.

By 4 June the ICU had taken Balcad^[23] and seized the primary ARPCT base in Mogadishu^[24]. The ICU was poised on the brink of victory. June 4 is the 155th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (156th in leap years), with 210 days remaining. ...

June 6, 2006

By 6 June the warlords who had banded together to resist the Courts either retreated to Ethiopia or surrendered to the Islamic Courts, making the ICU the new masters of Mogadishu^[25] and its important port^[26]. June 6 is the 157th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (158th in leap years), with 208 days remaining // 1508 - Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year truce and cede several territories to Venice 1513... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 90 KB)next >>> Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 90 KB)next >>> Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... June 6 is the 157th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (158th in leap years), with 208 days remaining // 1508 - Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year truce and cede several territories to Venice 1513... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 6 is the 157th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (158th in leap years), with 208 days remaining // 1508 - Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year truce and cede several territories to Venice 1513...

The Islamic Courts had imposed strict law and order over the parts of Mogadishu they controlled during the battles, and with their final victory law and order was declared to have returned to Mogadishu for the first time in 15 years. This accomplishment was applauded both internationally and domestically as a significant achievement, but worries and fears of the ICU's intentions began to appear both domestically and internationally.

On June 7, 2006, the New York Times declared the US backing of warlords in the Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT) a failed policy.^[27] A Reuters report cited that the plan had backfired and destabilized the nation.^[28] It is even asserted CIA funding of the ARPCT caused the ICU to act in response to the covert plan, which they felt was aimed at their faction.^[29] There is also an assertion of involvement of the Ethiopian secret service in the funding plot.^[30] June 7 is the 158th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (159th in leap years), with 207 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Consolidation of the Islamic Courts Union, Ethiopian Intervention

June 14, 2006

The Islamic Courts, having consolidated Mogadishu entirely with the surrender of the last warlord of the city, moved out from Mogadishu northward in a rapid consolidation campaign to link up with allied courts in other cities, and to push out the remaining regional warlords who had opposed them in Mogadishu or supported the ARPCT. June 14 is the 165th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (166th in leap years), with 200 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 90 KB)next >>> Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 90 KB)next >>> Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... June 14 is the 165th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (166th in leap years), with 200 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Jowhar was the most important warlord stronghold outside of Mogadishu, ruled by Mohammed Dheere. After securing allies in the town, the ICU advanced on Jowhar in early June, forcing Mohammed Dheere to flee north to Ethiopia on 14 June^[31] and capturing the town. June 14 is the 165th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (166th in leap years), with 200 days remaining. ...

The Ethiopian government made the decision to support these exiled warlords in order to oppose what in their view is a critical threat posed by the Islamic Courts to their administration of the Ogaden region^[32]. This was inevitable considering the political stripe of the ICU, but was spurred primarily by the ICU's expansion and troop deployment up to the Ethiopian Border. By mid June, Ethiopian troops were sent to the border, and Ethiopia began pressuring the Transitional Government to allow them to deploy troops in Baidoa. Ethiopia began vocally referring to the ICU as "al Qaeda allies" and "Terrorists". Ogaden (pronounced and often spelled OgadÄ“n) is a part of the Somali Region in Ethiopia. ...

On July 1, 2006, a Web-posted message purportedly written by Osama bin Laden urged Somalis to build an Islamic state in the country and warned western states that his al Qaeda network would fight against them if they intervened there.^[33] July 1 is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 183 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Osama bin Muhammad bin Awad bin Laden (Arabic: â€Ž; born March 10, 1957 [1]), most commonly known as Osama bin Laden is a militant Islamist and one of the founders of al-Qaeda. ... Al-Qaeda or al-Qaida (, translit: ; the Law, the foundation, or the base) is a militant Sunni Islamist organization, which has been deemed terrorist by the United Nations and a number of UN member-states, with the stated objective of eliminating foreign influence in Muslim countries, eradicating those they deem...

In mid July, Ethiopian forces mass at the border with Beledweyne, warning the ICU not to move on the city. Ethiopian forces under the command of Captain Hassey Aliow cross the Somalian border into ICU territory for the first time^[34], in order to meet with Baadi’ade and Ujejeen clan elders for intelligence gathering^[35]. While they are there, a number of weapons are distributed to the local militia.
Beledweyne (also transliterated as Belet Uen) is a city in Somalia. ...

August 1, 2006

The ICU moved into the Mudug region in the beginning of August, capturing Adado on 1 August^[36] following negotiations with the local clan Sultan. August 1 is the 213th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (214th in leap years), with 152 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 92 KB)next >>> Political and military situation in lands inhabited by Somali people as of August 1th. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 92 KB)next >>> Political and military situation in lands inhabited by Somali people as of August 1th. ... August 1 is the 213th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (214th in leap years), with 152 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

This draws the ICU into the sphere of influence of Puntland, as Adado borders the important southern city of Galcayo. Conflict ensues almost immediately after an Islamic Court is founded in south Galkayo (outside of Puntland but too close for comfort) and escalates rapidly up to the 9th of August.

August 10, 2006

Local leaders of South Galkayo chose to form their own regional state, bringing in the territory of Abdi Qebdid into Galmudug (Galgadud and Mudug) on the 14th of August in order to avoid annexation into Puntland or the ICU. August 10 is the 222nd day of the year (223rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 92 KB) Political and military situation in lands inhabited by Somali people as of August 10th. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 92 KB) Political and military situation in lands inhabited by Somali people as of August 10th. ... August 10 is the 222nd day of the year (223rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

An Islamic Court had been founded in Beledweyne by the local Hawiye clans, however the leader of Hiranland, both due to the opposition of the Hawiye to his administration and due to government pressure to resist the founding of Islamic Courts in the territories of states aligned with them, entered into conflict with the Beletweyne court and the Hawiye. The ICU intervened and captured Beletweyne on the 10th of August.

In order to make good on their promise to restore law and order to Somalia, the ICU began invading the territory of coastal warlords known to be engaged in piracy. The most infamous pirates in Somalia operated out of Harardhere and Hobyo, and so these towns were targeted for the anti-piracy campaign. The flag of 18th-century pirate Calico Jack Piracy is robbery committed at sea, or sometimes on the shore, by an agent without a commission from a sovereign nation. ...

August 16, 2006

Hobyo negotiated a surrender with the ICU on August 16^[37] where Hobyo would join Galmudug. Fighting quiets down in the north as Galmudug forms a buffer state between the ICU and Puntland, ending the violence between those two. August 16 is the 228th day of the year (229th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 93 KB) Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 93 KB) Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... August 16 is the 228th day of the year (229th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... August 16 is the 228th day of the year (229th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

The Transitional Government in Baidoa steps up their pressure for African Union peacekeepers to be deployed in the country to prevent the ICU from capturing any more territory, and the primary anti-ICU nations (Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda) pull together troops and funds to deploy a force in Kismayo.

The ICU simultaneously begins advancing on Kismayo. As both sides technically are supposed to have a peace treaty, neither side admits that this is an escalation of hostilities, and downplay the whole thing.

Invasion of Jubaland, Taking of Kismayo

September 24, 2006

In order to prevent the deployment of thousands of AU troops in the country, the Courts invaded Jubaland and seized Kismayo, after Barre Hirale's Juba Valley Alliance withdrew from the town in the face of overwhelming opposition and the mutiny of several JVA factions to the ICU^[38]. September 24 is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 95 KB) Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 95 KB) Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... September 24 is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Jubaland (also Jubbaland, Trans-Juba, It: Oltre Giuba) is the southwesternmost part of Somalia, on the far side of the Jubba River (thus the trans- name), bordering on Kenya. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

Relations with the Transitional Government collapsed. Ethiopia deployed hundreds of troops in Baidoa, and those numbers would continue to increase into thousands. The capture of Kismayo soured relations with both Somaliland and Puntland, as Jubaland was recognized as a political entity in many Somali circles, as opposed to the warlords who were universally viewed as being illegitimate. Motto: Justice, Peace, Freedom, Democracy and Success for All Anthem: Saamo ku waar Capital Hargeisa Somali, Arabic (second) Government Republic - President Dahir Riyale Kahin Independence From Somalia and United Kingdom - Declared May 18, 1991 . ... Motto: None Anthem(s): Puntland Somalian National Anthem Capital Garowe Largest city Bosaso Official language(s) Somali and Arabic Government - President Mohamud Muse Hersi - Vice-President Hasan Dahir Independence From Somalia - Declared 1998 - Recognition none Area - Total ~250,000 kmÂ² (not ranked) n/a sq mi - Water (%) Negl. ...

The Juba Valley Alliance vowed to retake Kismayo, and regrouped their forces in Bu'ale.

Later, on 29 September, the ICU declared their intention to unify and centralize their military forces under a single command. September 29 is the 272nd day of the year (273rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

September 30, 2006

Minor skirmishes in the north with Ethiopian troops near the border aggravate the situation further^[39]. September 30 is the 273rd day of the year (274th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 94 KB) Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 94 KB) Political Situation of Somali inhabited districts, mobilized forces and administrative boundaries. ... September 30 is the 273rd day of the year (274th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Indha-adde, the ICU-allied warlord ruler of Lower Shabelle, agrees to surrender his militias and territories to the ICU voluntarily, and in return is granted a senior position in the ICU leadership as head of ICU security. This was largely an extension of the declaration the day before of creating a single military command for the ICU as a whole, and put an end to the decentralized militias.^{[citation needed]}

The chairman of the ICU's Shura council, Shiekh Aweys, offered the Transitional Government to come to Mogadishu and rule the country if they accepted Sharia law.

A video depicting an important religious leader in Somaliland, Sheikh Ismail, being tortured in prison by Somaliland authorities found its way into the Somali media. The ICU declares their intention to free him if Somaliland does not.

An attempt was made by the ICU and JVA forces to agree to a ceasefire, but Ethiopian reinforcements emboldened JVA forces sufficiently to continue the fighting. Despite this, the JVA loses Afmadow to the ICU on October 5. October 5 is the 278th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (279th in Leap years). ...

Anti-ICU protests in Kismayo led to several deaths and a curfew being imposed on the city. These protests were sparked by the decision by local ICU authorities to ban Khat use in Kismayo.

October 10, 2006

The local Islamic Sharia court react to an Ethiopian cross-border expedition as a precursor to the Ethiopian invasion the ICU had been fearing for months, and calls for emergency reinforcements from Mogadishu and Jihad against Ethiopia are made. October 10 is the 283rd day of the year (284th in Leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 94 KB) Political Situation of lands inhabited primarily by Somalis as of the 10th of October 2006, showing districts controlled or disputed by the various occupying factions and states and military presences. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 94 KB) Political Situation of lands inhabited primarily by Somalis as of the 10th of October 2006, showing districts controlled or disputed by the various occupying factions and states and military presences. ... October 10 is the 283rd day of the year (284th in Leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Jihad, sometimes spelled Jahad, Jehad, Jihaad, Jiaad, Djehad, Jawwad, or Cihad, (Arabic: â€Ž ) is an Islamic term, meaning to strive or struggle in the way of God, and is sometimes referred to as the sixth pillar of Islam, although it has no official status. ...

Ethiopian forces had been massed over the other side of the border from Beledweyne since mid July^[40], and the tension was palpable. Within weeks, thousands of soldiers would be staring over the border at each other and fingering their triggers.

The ICU captures Bu'alle and Badhadhe from the JVA on 15 October, pushing the JVA out of Lower Juba entirely. Barre Hirale attempted a final push to recapture Kismayo and Bu'alle through mid October, mustering all of his forces for a final battle near Kismayo where his forces were defeated, along with a simultaneous attempt to capture Bu'alle. Several of the Marehan subclans had opened their own negotiations with the ICU, and his position was weakening by the day. October 15 is the 288th day of the year (289th in leap years). ...

The JVA regrouped their remaining forces in Sakow, though the alliance itself was unravelling.

Jihad Declared Against Ethiopia

October 26, 2006

The ICU is victorious in Sakow, capturing the town and pushing the JVA out of Middle Juba as well. The remains of JVA forces pull back to Bardhere in Gedo. October 26 is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 66 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 94 KB) Districts as controlled by various administrations in lands inhabited by Somali people, international borders, and troop deployments. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 94 KB) Districts as controlled by various administrations in lands inhabited by Somali people, international borders, and troop deployments. ... October 26 is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 66 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Transitional Government and Ethiopian troops seize Burhakaba briefly from ICU-allied militias, directly violating the Khartoum agreements. The ICU leadership consider the brief capture of Burhakaba as a violation of the peace agreement signed in Khartoum, and further talks, scheduled for the end of the month, seem less and less likely.

The fact that the government soldiers were supported by Ethiopian soldiers prompted the ICU leadership to declare a jihad against all Ethiopian soldiers in Somalia. The Beledweyne Sharia court had already issued a call for jihad earlier, but this made it official. Jihad, sometimes spelled Jahad, Jehad, Jihaad, Jiaad, Djehad, Jawwad, or Cihad, (Arabic: â€Ž ) is an Islamic term, meaning to strive or struggle in the way of God, and is sometimes referred to as the sixth pillar of Islam, although it has no official status. ...

A televised address by Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, chairman of the Supreme Council and the most moderate and respected of the ICU leadership, wearing a military style outfit and holding an AK-47, broke the news of Jihad to Somalia. In a much more low profile move Hassan Aweys, the Shura Council chairman, took it a step further and called for all Ethiopians, Muslim or otherwise, to rise up and overthrow the "oppresive regime of Meles Zenawi"^[41]. Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947 g. ...

Advances into Galmudug, Further Conflict with Puntland

November 1, 2006

ICU forces assume control over Hobyo, which is the capital of South Mudug State, part of Galmudug. November 1 is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 60 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 93 KB) Political Situation of lands inhabited by Somali peoples, including state administrations and troop deployments. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 93 KB) Political Situation of lands inhabited by Somali peoples, including state administrations and troop deployments. ... November 1 is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 60 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Religious leaders in the northern half of Galkacyo (the half owned by Puntland) set up an Islamic Court, which the government of Puntland vows to dismantle or destroy, creating a tense situation as ICU forces head towards Galmudug-controlled South Galkacyo to protect the new Islamic Court. Abdi Qebdiid, former member of the ARPCT and now an important figure in Galmudug, vows to defeat them.

Heavy fighting broke out in central Somalia on November 12th, officials said, a day after the transitional government rejected a peace initiative with the country's Islamic movement. November 12 is the 316th day of the year (317th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 49 days remaining. ...

Islamic militia captured the town of Bandiiradley (possessing an airport and an important Puntland military base protecting Gaalkacyo) after claiming they came under attack from pro-government militia backed by Ethiopian troops near the border of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, one of the few areas still outside their control. Neither side would comment on casualties or the sizes of forces involved. However Agaweyne said they had captured two tanks and 11 pickup trucks mounted with machine guns, known locally as "technicals."^[42] Bandiiradley is one of the largest towns in Mudug region. ... Gaalkacyo (also Galcaio) is the capital of the Mudug region of Somalia, and is divided into two zones. ... A technical in Liberia. ...

Barre Hiraale returns to Baidoa, as several branches of his Marehan clan set up Islamic courts in Bardhere and Afmadow and declare their support for the Islamic Courts. As Islamist support north of Bardhere is very strong, and Bardhere was previously the last bastion of anti-ICU sentiment in Gedo, the Gedo region is poised to fall into the hands of the Islamic Courts^[43].

Baidoa's military buildup continues to be plagued by division, as 30 more government soldiers along with their technicals defected to the Islamic Courts[1].

The ICU enacts into law the Prohibition of Khat in all territories they control on 17 November 2006, due to the concerns of many ICU leaders as to the social effects of Khat use, and in response to violent protests by Khat vendors in Mogadishu that lead to the death of a 13 year old boy. This decision may prove to be counterproductive to the ICU's agenda of restoring law and order, as prohibition laws historically trend towards increased rather than decreased criminality. The term Prohibition, also known as Dry Law, refers to a law in a certain country by which the manufacture, transportation, import, export, and sale of alcoholic beverages is restricted or illegal. ... Binomial name Catha edulis (Vahl) Forssk. ... 17 November is also the name of a Marxist group in Greece, coinciding with the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Puntland's president, Adde Musa, signed a deal with the Islamic Court of Galkayo in order to stem the tide of violence that the town had experienced for over a week^[44]. The details of this deal include the establishment of Sharia as the legal code, and holding a "grand conference" in Garowe to discuss the future of Puntland. Puntland has much to gain from switching sides over to the Islamic Courts, as Puntland is in a longstanding dispute with Somaliland over the Sool and Sanaaq regions, and the Islamic Courts have a dispute with Somaliland over the inprisonment of an important religious leader. Gaalkacyo is the second largest city in Puntland, Somalia, with an estimated population of 190,000. ... Sharia ( translit: ) refers to the body of Islamic law. ...

November 26, 2006

Armed with over 30 "technicals", gunmen allied with the Islamic Courts have been reported to have taken full control over the town of Abudwaq, in western Galgadud region bordering Ethiopia^[45]. Abudwaq was the power base of Abdi Qebdiid, limiting Galmudug to South Galcayo alone. November 26 is the 330th day (331st on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 97 KB) Political and military situation in lands inhabited by Somali people as of November 26th. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 97 KB) Political and military situation in lands inhabited by Somali people as of November 26th. ... November 26 is the 330th day (331st on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Ethiopian forces who were based in the administrative division of which Abudwaq is the seat, appeared to have pulled back across the border and massed their forces for a possible counterattack. ICU forces along the Ethiopian border were also reported to be massing. Were the Ethiopians to invade, it would most likely bring the conflict into Ethiopian territory. Ethiopia's border is extremely porous and there are a variety of rebel groups who would love to cooperate with ICU forces.

The situation in Baidoa became increasingly tense as a suicide car bomb attack in the city killed at least 8 people, involving at least 2 cars filled with explosives. The Transitional Government and Ethiopia immediately blamed the ICU for the attack, though no one assumed responsibility for the attack. The attack took place at a road checkpoint, and the attacker was apparently a veiled woman.

Ogaden Online reported that the Ethiopian government itself masterminded the attack^[46], citing an investigation by their reporters, who first reported on the plotting in November. It should be noted that Ogaden Online is not considered an unbiased source.

Matters escalated further as an Ethiopian convoy was ambushed by pro-ICU forces near Baidoa[2], the day after Ethiopian forces fired missiles at Bandiradley.

Another car bomb exploded in Bakin, on the approaches to Baidoa, on November 30. The minibus had served carrying people between Mogadishu and Baidoa.^[47]

Advance on Baidoa

December 2, 2006

350 soldiers from the Digil and Mirifle clans defected from the ICU to the government.^[48] Dinsoor, a primarily Digil and Mirifle district under Southwestern Somalian administration, defects to the ICU^[49]. The Digil and Mirifle are a major clan in Somalia, with large populations throughout Bay and Bakool regions, and the shift in support weakened the government position considerably. December 2 is the 336th day (337th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 97 KB) Political and military situation in Somalia, including territorial disputes, as of December 2nd, 2006. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1400x1512, 97 KB) Political and military situation in Somalia, including territorial disputes, as of December 2nd, 2006. ... December 2 is the 336th day (337th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

The Digil and Mirifle clans make up the broader Rahanweyn group of clans, and the leader of the Rahanweyn Resistance Army, Aden Saran-Sor, has been accused of opposing the government since October 31^[50]. If Aden Saran-Sor has joined the ICU, then the RRA and the Rahanweyn clan as a whole will be divided between ICU supporters and government supporters, with the critical military support being on the ICU side. The government's base in Baidoa is hosted by Rahanweyn-controlled Southwestern Somalia, and if Southwestern Somalia falls to the ICU, Baidoa will be entirely encircled, and local resistance to the capture of Baidoa would be muted if the locals support the ICU.

On December 3rd, 60 ICU soldiers along with their technicals surrendered to government forces in Baidoa, dissatisfied by the ICU's extremist policies[3].

On December 6th, the United Nations Security Council approved a deployment of IGAD peacekeepers exempt from the UN arms embargo to protect Baidoa, effectively taking sides in the conflict. Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti were barred from taking part in the peacekeeping operation, leaving it up to Uganda, Tanzania and ironically, Eritrea. The resolution is primarily aimed at encouraging Uganda to deploy troops to protect Baidoa, which is a highly controversial issue in Uganda due to the UN arms embargo and the threats of the ICU to fight any peacekeepers in Somalia[4]. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the organ of the United Nations charged with maintaining peace and security among nations. ... The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a seven-country regional development organization in Eastern Africa. ...

On December 7, 2006, The Eritrean Permanent Mission to the UN officially denied its nation had any troops in Somalia.[5] December 7 is the 341st day (342nd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

December 8, 2006

On December 8th, the ICU reported heavy fighting with government forces, backed by Ethiopian troops in the town of Dinsoor, in what many fear would spark an invasion of the heavily-fortified city of Baidoa by the massed ICU forces stationed in Burhakaba.^[51] Residents in Baidoa began fleeing the city, in fear of the fighting spilling over into Baidoa. December 8 is the 342nd day (343rd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Buurhakaba is a city located in the Bay region of southwestern Somalia. ...

The fighting carried over into the next day, with ferocious artillery duels reported across a front line roughly located at Rama'addey village.

To complicate the situation, Mohammed Dheere, the warlord of Jowhar who had been defeated almost 6 months previously and fled to Ethiopia, crossed the border into Hiraan with his rebuilt militia and more than 60 technicals.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed ended months of speculation on the 10th by formally declaring the ICU's intention to capture Baidoa. By the 11th, fighting near Dinsoor had settled down to a stable front line at Safarnooles village. The calm of the 11th was more than likely the preparations for a combined assault from two directions on Baidoa; from Dinsoor and Burhakaba, and the TFG's preparations to attempt to repel it.

Reports indicate that the ICU began advancing towards Tyeeglow on December 11 2006, continuing the encirclement of Baidoa. From Tyeeglow the ICU has the ability to attack the northern supply routes to Baidoa with virtual impunity. To entirely encircle Baidoa, the ICU needs to capture Hudur, Luuk and Wajid, and these towns are all along the road from Tyeeglow.

The ICU's strategy became clear following the battles near Dinsoor, which clearly demonstrated that the ICU has sufficient firepower to force their way into Baidoa if they chose to. The ICU has chosen instead to cut off all support to the city and force it to surrender, while simultaneously taking control of the rest of Bay and Bakool.

December 13, 2006

Somalia's prime minister announced Islamic Courts Union (ICU) forces were moving into positions for an attack on the last government stronghold of Baidoa in "what may now be an inevitable war".^[52] The settlement of Ufurow, 90km from the interim government capital at Baidoa, capitulated to the ICU without fighting. ICU troops were said to be within 20km of Baidoa near Buurhakaba.^[53] Government troops held a front line at Daynuunay, and ICU troops—identified by a local resident as being from the SICC (Somalia Islamic Courts Council)—were described as within 2 km of their positions and advancing. ^[54] Rumors suggested the ICU was also moving to capture the non-aligned area of Tiyoglow 90 km northeast of Boidoa.^[55] December 13 is the 347th day of the year (348th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Motto: none Anthem: none Capital (and largest city) Mogadishu Somali and Arabic Government - Executive Chairman Sharif Sheikh Ahmed - Shura Chairman Hassan Dahir Aweys Civil War Faction Has not declared autonomy nor independence - Established June 6th 2006 in Mogadishu Area - Total not finalized/civil war kmÂ² (not ranked) n/a sq... Baidoa (Somali: Baydhabo) is a city in south-central Somalia, situated 256 kilometers (159 miles) by road northwest of the capital Mogadishu. ... Buurhakaba is a city located in the Bay region of southwestern Somalia. ...

A Reuters report cited the ICU claimed 30,000 Ethiopian troops were involved in Somalia, while 4,000 foreign fighters were involved on the side of the ICU.^[56]. Ethiopia denied having troops other than "military advisors" present.

Meanwhile, Italian special envoy to Ethiopia, Mario Raffaelli, met with the ICU in Mogadishu to attempt peacemaking, but was met with skepticism.^[57] Somalia's parliament speaker Sharif Hassan Sheik Aden and ICU chairman Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed met in succession with Yemeni president Ali Abdalla Salah. Arab League efforts for peace talks in Khartoum, Sudan, were postponed, angering the ICU.^[58]

In Garowe, Puntland on the same day, police opened fire on the security forces surrounding Puntland President Mohamud Adde Muse, protesting lack of payment. It was also reported soldiers robbed a bank because of government neglect.^[59]

December 14, 2006

The ICU entered Salagle, one of the few towns in the Juba region outside of their control^[60]. Two soldiers loyal to the TFG Minister of Defense, Col. Barre Hirale, were ambushed and killed between Baardhere and Dinsoor.^[61] December 14 is the 348th day of the year (349th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

December 15, 2006

Dozens of former fighters for the TFG arrived in Mogadishu riding six technicals, three trucks armed with antiaircraft guns and three pickups mounting machine guns. The fighters cited their desire to leave was due to Baidoa coming under Ethiopian control. They defected 40 days before (presumably about November 5) and finally reached the capital after moving slowly through the jungle. The ICU claimed over 600 troops have defected since February 2006. The defecting troops were disarmed and ordered to undergo new training.^[62] In Washington, Assistant Secretary of State, Jendayi Frazer said that the United States had no plans to commit troops to Somalia, and urged African nations to meet the commitments of the UN resolution for peacekeepers.^[17] December 15 is the 349th day of the year (350th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Dr. Jendayi Frazer Jendayi E. Frazer is the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, heading the Bureau of African Affairs. ...

December 16, 2006

Parliament Speaker Sharif Hassan Sheik Aden for the Transistional Government in Somalia bypassed the government and signed an agreement with the Union of Islamic Courts toward a peace initiative, the Transistional Government said the agreement was invalid, however, as he had bypassed his authority. ^[63] December 16 is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

December 17, 2006

The Islamic Courts claimed 200 troops from the Manas camp in Al-Bayan region defected to their side.^[64] Salad Ali Jelle, deputy defense minister for the TFG, denied this claim and further asserted the TFG had 6,000 troops under its command ready to defend its territory.^[65] Also on the 17th, General Mohamed Muse Hersi, also known as "Adde Muse," President of the autonomous Somali province of Puntland, flew to Baidoa to meet with the TFG.^[66] December 17 is the 351st day of the year (352nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Motto: None Anthem(s): Puntland Somalian National Anthem Capital Garowe Largest city Bosaso Official language(s) Somali and Arabic Government - President Mohamud Muse Hersi - Vice-President Hasan Dahir Independence From Somalia - Declared 1998 - Recognition none Area - Total ~250,000 kmÂ² (not ranked) n/a sq mi - Water (%) Negl. ...

December 19, 2006

The ICU declared that it was not going to attack after the lapse of the one week timeframe for Ethiopian withdrawal. Both sides seem to have backed away from a military confrontation at this time.^[67] Fifty more government troops were said to have defected in Gedo province and were now with the ICU in Bur Dhubo.^[68] TFG Premier Ali Mohammed Gedi raised the claim of foreign fighters present in Somalia to 5000.^[4] ICU commander Sheikh Ahmed Hassan Abuu Rayan stated he was positioning an unspecified number more militia troops along the border with Ethiopia in Far Libah town, Hiran region.^[69] ICU forces were also said to be approaching Bardhere in Gedo province near the Kenyan border. Colonel Abdulahi Sheik Fara-Tag was named as the commander of the TFG forces defending the town from attack.^[70] December 19 is the 353rd day of the year (354th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Location of Hiiraan in Somalia Hiiraan (Somali: Hiiraan; Arabic: â€Ž ) is an administrative region (gobolka) in central Somalia. ... This article or section contains information that has not been verified and thus might not be reliable. ...

Fall of the Islamic Courts Union

On December 20, major fighting broke out around the TFG capital of Baidoa. Thirteen trucks filled with Ethiopian reinforcements were reported en route to the fighting. However, leaders of both groups are keeping an option open for peace talks brokered by the EU.^[71] Combatants Islamic Courts Union Pro-Islamist Militias Foreign fighters Alleged: Eritrea Transitional Federal Government Ethiopia[1] Casualties 700 dead or wounded (TFG claim) SomaliNet 400 killed (ICU claim) [1] The Battle of Baidoa began on December 20, 2006 when the Somali Transitional Federal Governments forces (TFG) allied with Ethiopian... Combatants Islamic Courts Union Pro-Islamist militias Alleged: Eritrea Foreign jihadists Puntland Galmudug Transitional Government of Somalia Ethiopia[1] Commanders Hassan Aweys, Hasan Hersi Barre Adan Shire Hirale Abdi Qeybdid Adde Musa (Puntland) Meles Zenawi Strength 10,000 â€“ 30,000 soldiers 500 â€“ 2000 technicals Heavy weapons including artillery, GTA and... December 20 is the 354th day of the year (355th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

On December 22, nearly 20 Ethiopian tanks were seen heading toward the front line. According to government sources Ethiopia has 20 T-55 tanks and four attack helicopters in Baidoa. It is not known if these tanks are taking part in the battle.^[72] December 22 is the 356th day of the year (357th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The T-54 and T-55 tank series was the Soviet Unions front-line main battle tank from 1947 until 1962, and remains in service throughout the world to this day, especially by former client states of the Soviet Union. ...

On December 23, Ethiopian tanks and further reinforcements arrived in Daynuunay, 30 kilometres east of Baidoa; prompting ICU forces to vow all-out war despite a commitment to a EU-brokered peace. Heavy fighting continued in Iidale and Dinsoor.^[73] December 23 is the 357th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (358th in leap years). ...

On December 24, Ethiopia admits that its troops are fighting the Islamists, after stating earlier in the week that it had only sent several hundred military advisors to Baidoa. Heavy fighting erupted in border areas, with air strikes and shelling being reported. Eyewitness said Ethiopian troops bombarded the ICU-held town of Beledweyne. According to Ethiopian Information Minister Berhan Hailu: "The Ethiopian government has taken self-defensive measures and started counter-attacking the aggressive extremist forces of the Islamic Courts and foreign terrorist groups."^[1] December 24 is the 358th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (359th in leap years). ...

On December 25, Ethiopian and Somali forces captured Beledweyne, with ICU forces fleeing Beledweyne at the same time Ethiopian fighter jets bombed two airports. Heavy fighting was also reported in Burhakaba.^[74] December 25 is the 359th day of the year (360th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 6 days remaining for the year. ...

On December 26, the ICU was in retreat on all fronts, losing much of the territory they gained in the months preceding the Ethiopian intervention. They reportedly fell back to Daynuunay and Mogadishu.^[75] December 26 is the 360th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, 361st in leap years. ... Combatants Islamic Courts Union Pro-Islamist militias Alleged: Eritrea Foreign jihadists Puntland Galmudug Transitional Government of Somalia Ethiopia[1] Commanders Hassan Aweys, Hasan Hersi Barre Adan Shire Hirale Abdi Qeybdid Adde Musa (Puntland) Meles Zenawi Strength 10,000 â€“ 30,000 soldiers 500 â€“ 2000 technicals Heavy weapons including artillery, GTA and... Mogadishus location in Somalia Mogadishu (Somali: Muqdisho, popularly Xamar; Arabic: â€Ž ; Italian: ), is the largest city in Somalia, and its nominal capital. ...

On December 27, Ethiopian and Somali government forces were reported en route to Somali'a capital, Mogadishu after capturing the strategic town of Jowhar, 90km from the capital. The UIC are in control of little more than the coast. Islamist leaders reportedly evacuated many towns without putting up a fight. Also, the UIC top two commanders, defense chief Yusuf Indade and his deputy Abu Mansur are currently on the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. ^[76] December 27 is the 361st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (362nd in leap years). ...

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