Khat is once again being sold on the street openly!
Ahh. Sweet freedom!
The government forces entered the Somalian Capital of Mogadishu today.
Transitional Federal Government soldiers on their truck in Bur Haqaba, 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Baidoa, Somalia Thursday, Dec 28, 2006. (Yahoo)
Somalians are dealing tthe drug khat again openly on the streets now that the Islamists have fled to the capital, Mogadishu.
Ethio Media reports:
Now all eyes are on Mogadishu, where Islamist leaders – including Sheik Dahir Aweys, resigned as their militia fighters dropped combat fatigues for civilian looks. There is also a sense of relief with residents that businesses banned during the ICU rule are bouncing back to life: cinemas are opening and the semi-narcotic khat is being sold openly.
While Mogadishu is tittering on the brink of anarchy, Ethiopian troops are, according to SomaliNet, advancing toward Kisimayo, the port which has reportedly been used as entry point for foreign fighters.
The Islamic forces abandoned the Somailan capital in the last 12 hours blending back into the civilian population. Crowds welcomed the liberating forces.
BBC VIDEO HERE
The UN-backed president Yusuf says that his troops were not a threat to the people of Somalia:
(AP) Somalia’s Islamic movement abandoned the nation’s capital on Thursday and clan militiamen poured into the streets, looting the bases of the departing fighters.
Government forces approached to within 18 miles of Mogadishu, vowing to take the capital. Clan leaders, though, have the greatest influence over whether order or chaos follows the retreat of the Islamic movement known as the Council of Islamic Courts. A courts leader, meanwhile, said the battle for Somalia was not over.
President Abdullahi Yusuf said in a statement Thursday afternoon that his troops on the outskirts of the capital were not a threat to the people of Mogadishu.
“The government is committed to solving every problem that may face Somalia through dialogue and peaceful ways,” the statement said. “I would want to reassure the Somali people that we are tirelessly working toward the salvation or our nation and the restoration of your dignity and honor.”
HotAir and Bill Roggio have more on the fall of the United Islamic Courts.
Strategy Page– Ethiopian Blitz.
Previously:
Jihad Declared! Islamists Arrive by Ship to Somalia!
Ethiopia Declares War on Somalia!
Busted!! Somalian Islamists & Their Bogus Chopper Shots!
Somalian Government Calls on Islamists to Surrender!
Somalian Forces Besiege Mogadishu
