Sunday, July 13, 2008
"Forces of the Union of Islamic Courts took over Bardere district in Gedo region," Shabelle radio reported. "Commanders of the heavily armed fighters said they want to rid the country of the occupying forces of Ethiopia."
The fighters reportedly faced no resistance from the small police force in the town as they came in with their battle wagons.
Insurgent fighters have been waging A guerilla war against Somali government forces and the Ethiopian troops backing them, since joint forces from Somali and Ethiopia ousted an Islamist administration from south and central Somalia late in 2006.
The fighters of the Islamist movement have seized a number of towns and villages in south and central Somalia but withdrew many of them hours after taking over from Somali government forces and Ethiopian troops.
Source: Xinhua, July 13, 2008