Somali/Ethiopian force close on Mogadishu.

On Wednesday (27 Dec), Somali backed by Ethiopian forces secured Jawher (50 miles north of Mogadishu) and are moving onto the outskirts of Balcad which is about 18 miles north of Mogadishu. Other elements appear to be closing into Mogadishu from the west.

Sheik Mohamoud Ibrahim Suley of the Council of Islamic Courts stated, "Our snakes of defense were let loose, now they are ready to bite the enemy everywhere in Somalia.“

It appears that Ethiopian and Somali troops will close on the outskirts of Mogadishu tomorrow. Once this center of gravity is captured, it waits to be seen if Somali/Ethiopian forces continue to clear Islamists out of the entire country.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi stated Somali and Ethiopian forces have killed about 1000 Islamists and have wounded an additional 3000.

To view a presentation of this war, click here.