New group fights UPDF in Somalia

An Islamist group, Hizbul Islam, has rejoined the struggle against the Transitional Federal Government and the African Union peacekeepers in Somalia (Amisom). The group, led by hardliner cleric, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys, on Tuesday attacked Amisom positions in Hodon District in South Mogadishu.

About 20 people died and scores were injured, according to ambulance servicemen in Mogadishu. Sheikh Mohamed Osman Arus, the spokesman of Hizbul Islam said the assaults on Tuesday were just a preparation for even more violent attacks during the upcoming holy month of Ramadhan, the fasting month for Muslims around the world.

Call for ceasefire
Ramadhan is expected to start mid next month and various groups in Somalia, including government officials, have asked all sides to observe a ceasefire. The attack followed a statement issued by Sheikh Aweys on Monday that his combatants were to start a jihad against the TFG and Amisom peacekeepers.

However, observers of the local jihad suggest that al-Shabaab, another radical lslamist group, could be responsible for Hizbul Islam’s attacks. In recent months, Hizbul Islam suffered a series of setbacks, after many of its loyalists joined al-Shabaab and others killed by al-Shabaab agents.

In June, Sheikh Abdulkadir Haji Ahmed, the Chief of Hizbul Islam’s mobilisation officer in Beledweyne town, announced that his group had resolved to join al-Shabaab.
Talking to an audience, the sheikh recited verses of the Holy Koran, pointing to the need to unite the insurgents in Somalia.

“We are hereby declaring our resolve to unite with our fellow jihadists (holy warriors) in this strategic Hiran region,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “Unity is certain to arouse strength.” He urged other Islamists to take their example and join Al-Shabaab. “I am an elder and the sheikh of Hizbul Islam in this territory and I am leading you to unite with your fellow jihadists,” remarked Sheikh Ahmed amid chants of Allahu Akbar (God is Great) by those present at the ceremony.

It is not clear when the group broke away from al Shabaab, to be able to launch an independent attack. Both the government and Amisom officials said no matter how hard the rebel groups tried to reach Villa Somalia, the State House in Mogadishu, their efforts will yield nothing.