Govt Forces Capture Beled Weyne From Hisbul Islam

Sunday, January 10, 2010


Beled Weyne, Somalia (HOL) - The latest news from Beled Weyne, the capital of the Hiiraan region, indicate that government troops have entered the city after intense fighting with forces loyal to Hisbul Islam.

Eyewitness sources have confirmed that the city is now under the control of government forces after Hisbul Islam fighters have abandoned their positions within the city. There is still some sporadic fighting in the Hawlwadaag district on the west side of the city as Hisbul Islam fighters appear to be regrouping outside the city.
Earlier reports have indicated that forces loyal to Adan Abdulle Cawaale, the former mayor of Maxaas township who recently joined the Ahlu Sunna Wal-Jamaa, have taken over the city from Hisbul Islam fighters. But a spokesman for the Transitional Federal Government has denied those reports.

There is no word as of yet on the number of casualties or the extent of the damage caused by the fighting. It is not the first time that the city has changed hands between different factions.