13 die in Mogadishu violence

Explosions and gunfire in the Somali capital killed 13 people and wounded nine others over the weekend, the latest upsurge of violence in a city already wracked by near-daily explosions, police and witnesses said.

Eight civilians, four soldiers and a government official died yesterday, some from a land mine explosion, others from gunfire, officials said.

Mogadishu’s police chief confirmed the deaths, saying the government would continue security operations in the city, especially at a main flash point, the Bakara market.

“Our objective is to restore law and order and create a peaceful environment for the traders,” said Police Chief Col. Ali Said Hassan. “Deaths and injuries will happen when we struggle to control the security situation, where weapons are in the hands of ordinary people.”

Mogadishu has seen little peace since government troops backed by Ethiopian forces drove an Islamic movement out of the city in December. Roadside bombs, attacks on government installations, assassination attempts and gun battles have become common, and civilians are caught in the crossfire.

The violence in the capital comes amid claims by the chairman of the Bakara Market Traders that government troops are robbing traders during security operations.

“The troops ask you to open your safe and go outside and then they steal your money,” Ali Dheere said. “That is a barbaric act.”

He said he didn’t know the stolen amount. But the city’s mayor, Mohamed Dheere, said soldiers guilty of theft would be brought to court.

“We are investigating, and anyone found guilty of involvement in such robberies will be brought to justice,” Mohammed Dheere said. “I apologise for what has happened if it is true.”

The Council of Islamic Courts ruled Mogadishu and much of southern Somalia for six months last year before being pushed out. But insurgents linked to the group have vowed to launch an Iraq-style guerrilla war unless the country becomes an Islamic state.

Battles in Mogadishu between March 12 and April 26 alone killed at least 1,670 people.

Somalia has been mired in chaos since 1991, when warlords overthrew dictator Mohammed Siad Barre and then turned against one another, defending clan fiefdoms. The government was formed in 2004 with the help of the United Nations, but has struggled to assert any real control.