Somalia: Sufis declare Ramadan offensive against al-Shabab
Sheik Mohamud Ahmed Shurie, information secretary of the Ahlu Sunna (Sufi militia) for Somalia's Banadir region, held a telephone press conference with journalists in Mogadishu to declare war against Hizbul Islam and Harakat al-Shabab Mujahedeen for the coming holy Ramadan month. The Ahlu Suna Waljama'a clerics, African Union troops and the forces of Somalia's transitional government are battling al-Shabab and Hizbul Islam in the Somali capital and south and central regions of the country.
"The Mujahedeen of Ahlu Sunna are ready for fighting," said Sheik Shuriye. "They would fight with al-Shabab and Hizbul Islam where every they are in Somalia. In the Ramadan month, we are planning to slab them and clean both rival sides."
He added that Ahlu Sunna fighters were attacked by Harakat Al-Shabab Mujahedeen and defended themselves, saying they killed three, with five others wounded. Harakat Al-Shabab Mujahieeen leaders had vowed earlier they would take over the whole of Somalia for coming Ramadan month. (Shabelle Media Network via AllAfrica, Aug. 6)
See our last posts on Somalia and Sufism and the struggle within Islam.
Please leave a tip or answer the Exit Poll.
Battle for Mogadishu escalates
A Shabaab suicide assault team killed 28 people, including six members of parliament and five soldiers, in an attack on a hotel in the Somali capital of Mogadishu Aug. 24. A squad of heavily armed Shabaab fighters, estimated at 10 men, entered the Muna hotel and took the members of parliament and other visitors hostage. The Shabaab fighters were dressed as Somali soldiers and were armed with assault rifles and suicide vests. (The Long War Journal, Aug. 24)