Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06NAIROBI2034
2006-05-10 15:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:
MOGADISHU FIGHTING PAUSES, AFTER INTENSE ACTIVITY
how-toVZCZCXRO0111 PP RUEHROV DE RUEHNR #2034 1301538 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 101538Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY NAIROBI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1575 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFISS/CJTF HOA PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 002034
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/10/2026
TAGS: PINS MOPS SO
SUBJECT: MOGADISHU FIGHTING PAUSES, AFTER INTENSE ACTIVITY
Classified By: D/PolCouns L. Peterson, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).
C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 002034
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/10/2026
TAGS: PINS MOPS SO
SUBJECT: MOGADISHU FIGHTING PAUSES, AFTER INTENSE ACTIVITY
Classified By: D/PolCouns L. Peterson, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).
1. (C) The United Nations Security Office reports that
fighting in Mogadishu has paused, following four days of
intense conflict. The UN has received reports of 100 to 150
casualties (no break out yet of dead and wounded),while
press reports indicate up to 85 deaths since May 7.
Estimates from Mogadishu hospitals are that two-thirds of the
wounded are women and children.
2. (C) Both sides in the conflict have been building up to a
major clash for several weeks. It appears likely this round
of fighting was sparked by a Court militia attack on a convoy
carrying leaders from the Alliance for the Restoration of
Peace and Combat Against Terrorism. The Sharia Courts
claimed on May 8 that locations under their control had been
attacked by Alliance forces, prompting them to respond.
3. (C) Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of the Union of Sharia
Courts announced an unconditional cease-fire in a May 10
radio broadcast. He reportedly indicated he did not care how
the Alliance interpreted this action, saying the Sharia
courts were doing this for the benefit of the people of
Mogadishu. A spokesman for the Alliance countered that the
Courts were standing down because they had run out of
ammunition.
4. (C) In spite of the high number of casualties, it does not
appear that there have been any significant losses of
territory on either side. The high casualty count, according
to the UN, is largely attributable to untrained militia
members, who are indiscriminately spraying areas with
bullets. There are indications that the Bakara market has
twice sold out its ammunition stocks in recent days. The UN
is aware of at least one breach of the arms embargo
approximately one week ago, but is uncertain whether these
weapons and ammunition are intended for Mogadishu or for
forces inside Ethiopia.
BELLAMY
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/10/2026
TAGS: PINS MOPS SO
SUBJECT: MOGADISHU FIGHTING PAUSES, AFTER INTENSE ACTIVITY
Classified By: D/PolCouns L. Peterson, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).
1. (C) The United Nations Security Office reports that
fighting in Mogadishu has paused, following four days of
intense conflict. The UN has received reports of 100 to 150
casualties (no break out yet of dead and wounded),while
press reports indicate up to 85 deaths since May 7.
Estimates from Mogadishu hospitals are that two-thirds of the
wounded are women and children.
2. (C) Both sides in the conflict have been building up to a
major clash for several weeks. It appears likely this round
of fighting was sparked by a Court militia attack on a convoy
carrying leaders from the Alliance for the Restoration of
Peace and Combat Against Terrorism. The Sharia Courts
claimed on May 8 that locations under their control had been
attacked by Alliance forces, prompting them to respond.
3. (C) Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of the Union of Sharia
Courts announced an unconditional cease-fire in a May 10
radio broadcast. He reportedly indicated he did not care how
the Alliance interpreted this action, saying the Sharia
courts were doing this for the benefit of the people of
Mogadishu. A spokesman for the Alliance countered that the
Courts were standing down because they had run out of
ammunition.
4. (C) In spite of the high number of casualties, it does not
appear that there have been any significant losses of
territory on either side. The high casualty count, according
to the UN, is largely attributable to untrained militia
members, who are indiscriminately spraying areas with
bullets. There are indications that the Bakara market has
twice sold out its ammunition stocks in recent days. The UN
is aware of at least one breach of the arms embargo
approximately one week ago, but is uncertain whether these
weapons and ammunition are intended for Mogadishu or for
forces inside Ethiopia.
BELLAMY