2006 Islamic Courts Union offensive

The rise of the Islamic Courts in Somalia began in the mid-1990s with the alliance of a group of Muslim legal scholars and business people led by Hassan Aweys (former leader of the AIAI) and Sharif Ahmed, with two other powerful elements: Yusuf Mohammed Siad Inda'ade the self-declared governor of Shabeellaha Hoose, and the militant Islamist group al-Itihaad al-Islamiya led by Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki, forming the Islamic Courts Union.[https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Africa/bpsomalia0407.pdf The Rise and Fall of Mogadishu’s Islamic Courts.] Chatham House

Initially these three distinct elements maintained separate leadership, In July 2006, the Union of Islamic Courts and the AIAI merged to form the Supreme Islamic Courts Council (SICC).[https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/somalias-high-stakes-power-struggle Somalia’s High Stakes Power Struggle] Council on Foreign Relations. By the end of September Indha'adde's voluntary annexed his warlordship to the SICC, which created a larger unified organization.

Against them are posed the Transitional Federal Government, and the breakaway region of Puntland, plus other individual warlords and tribes.

How Ethiopian troops would become involved in the Somali conflict from July 20, 2006.{{cite web

|title=Ethiopian Troops Enter Somalia to Resist Islamic Militia

|url=http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/africa/july-dec06/somalia_07-20.html

|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913075017/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/africa/july-dec06/somalia_07-20.html

|url-status=dead

|archive-date=2012-09-13

|publisher=PBS

|work=Online NewsHour }} Ethiopia maintained it was providing military assistance to the transitional government. Ethiopians feared that the Somali conflict would spill over into their territory, as Ethiopia's border is extremely porous and there are a variety of rebel groups that could cooperate with the Union of Islamic Courts.[https://www.hrw.org/report/2007/08/13/shell-shocked/civilians-under-siege-mogadishu Shell-Shocked Civilians Under Siege in Mogadishu]. Human Rights Watch

{{main|IGASOM|Somalia Diplomatic and Humanitarian Efforts}}

The US interests in Somalia date back to funding and military backing of the government of Siad Barre in the 1970s.[http://www.zmag.org/content/ForeignPolicy/zunes0117.cfm The Long and Hidden History of the U.S in Somalia] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070426113112/http://www.zmag.org/content/ForeignPolicy/zunes0117.cfm |date=2007-04-26 }} Znet After the UN interventions of the 1990s, the US has mainly avoided involvement in the nation.

Officially, the present United States' interest in the Horn of Africa region comprises desires for stability and peace in Somalia, including support of the establishment of a new government under the Transitional Federal Government, passage of the UN Security Council resolution to deploy an African-led peacekeeping force known as IGASOM, delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as warnings against the spread of extremist and terrorist groups in the region, including al-Qaeda.

As part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa was established in Djibouti. It serves to monitor and check the spread of terrorism, as well as deal with piracy. It has also undertaken humanitarian missions in the region, but it has no mandate towards the conflict in Somalia. The US denies any direct military operations in Somalia, or in neighboring Kenya,[https://archive.today/20120224234759/http://allafrica.com/stories/200611170008.html Suspicion As U.S. Marines Hit Town] The East African Standard[http://allafrica.com/stories/200612041176.html Marines Mission Shrouded in Mystery] East African Standard and stated that it has no intention of deploying troops to Somalia.[http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2006/December/20061215170307MVyelwarC0.629574.html US Does Not Plan to Send Troops Against Al-Qaida in Somalia] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128064104/http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2006/December/20061215170307MVyelwarC0.629574.html |date=2010-11-28 }} US State Department

Regarding the conflict in Somalia there are allegations, both by the ICU as well as in western circles, of U.S. support of Ethiopian intervention. Evidence of favoritism in the conflict cited by Jonathan S. Landay and Shashank Bengali of the McClatchy Newspapers include:

• U.S. sponsorship of a Dec. 6 U.N. Security Council resolution that authorized, over the Islamists' opposition, the deployment of an African peacekeeping force but omitted a demand for the withdrawal of the estimated 8,000 Ethiopian troops.
• A visit by Army Gen. John Abizaid, head of U.S. Central Command, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last month for talks with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.[http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L04290032.htm Somalis rally against U.S. peacekeeping plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204034519/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L04290032.htm |date=December 4, 2008 }} Reuters
• The Bush administration's failure to insist publicly on an Ethiopian withdrawal or to participate directly in efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and power-sharing agreement between the transitional government and the Islamic Courts.[http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/97603.html Analysis: U.S. may feed conflict in Somalia, experts say] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061226233202/http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/97603.html |date=2006-12-26 }} McClatchy Newspapers

The McClatchy article went on to cite U.S. politicians have played a part in American policy surrounding the conflict. Former majority leader in the Republican Party-run House of Representatives, Dick Armey, has been lobbying for Ethiopia and working to block a vote on a bipartisan bill (HR 5680) entitled "Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2006" to cut U.S. security aid to Ethiopia if it failed to halt political repression. The Bush administration also opposed the bill.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20061208105837/http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=2cc6fcb56bea8e3db977fdadcbaa18ed Sanctions on Ethiopia Stalled in Congress]}} New American Media

The United States opposition to the formation of an Islamic Somalia led to the CIA making secret payments to aid Somali warlords in early 2006 organized under the name Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism (ARPCT). Between May and June 2006, the Second Battle of Mogadishu occurred between the ARPCT and the ICU. The result was the driving of the ARPCT forces from Mogadishu, and the militant rise of the ICU.[https://archive.today/20070113021918/http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/16301743.htm U.S. policy in the Horn of Africa may aid al-Qaida, experts warn][https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/08/world/africa/08intel.html?ex=1307419200&en=7b3e5a78230b7e10&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Efforts by C.I.A. Fail in Somalia, Officials Charge] New York Times[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/2/story.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10385312 US cash support for Somali warlords 'destabilising'] Reuters

Image:Somali land 2006 06 04.png

On June 4, 2006, the Courts and an alliance of Mogadishu warlords (formally gathering under the title Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counter-Terrorism in February 2006) had fought sporadically for years in minor turf battles over Mogadishu districts. By March 2006 this had escalated to a decisive street war. This led to major hostilities escalating in May dubbed the Second Battle of Mogadishu.

By June 4 the ICU had taken Balcad[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5046402.stm Islamists seize key Somali town], BBC News. and seized the primary ARPCT base in Mogadishu.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5032636.stm Somali Islamists seize rival base], BBC News. The ICU was poised on the brink of victory. By June 6 the warlords who had banded together to resist the Courts either retreated to Ethiopia or surrendered to the Islamic Courts, making the ICU the new masters of Mogadishu[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5047766.stm Islamists claim Mogadishu victory], BBC News. and its important port.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5172000.stm Islamists handed Mogadishu port], BBC News.

Image:Somali land 2006 06 14.png

During mid-June 2006, the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) decisively defeated a CIA backed alliance of Somali warlords and became the first organization since the collapse of the state to control Mogadishu,{{Cite journal |last=Samatar |first=Abdi Ismail |date=2007 |title=Ethiopian Invasion of Somalia, US Warlordism & AU Shame |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20406369 |journal=Review of African Political Economy |volume=34 |issue=111 |pages=155–165 |issn=0305-6244 |jstor=20406369}} which propelled the ICU on the national stage for the first time.{{Cite book |last=Samatar |first=Abdi Ismail |url= |title=Framing Somalia |date=2022 |publisher=Red Sea Press |isbn=978-1-56902-789-9 |pages=141 |language=en}}

File:Captured ARPCT Flag.jpg

Jowhar was the most important warlord stronghold outside of Mogadishu, ruled by Mohammed Dheere. After securing allies in the town, the ICU advanced on Jowhar in early June, forcing Mohammed Dheere to flee north to Ethiopia on June 14[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5078534.stm Somali Islamists capture key town] BBC News and capturing the town.

The Ethiopian invasion began soon after the ICU began pushing out of the capital, with thousands Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) troops being deployed around Baidoa city located in Bay region, far inside Somalia, in order to build a bridgehead for a future large scale military operation.{{Cite book |last=Samatar |first=Abdi Ismail |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EXYOzwEACAAJ |title=Framing Somalia |date=2022 |publisher=Red Sea Press |isbn=978-1-56902-789-9 |pages=144–146 |language=en}} On 16 June 2006, Shabeelle Media Network reported that sources in Ethiopia's Somali Region had witnessed a massing of ENDF troops along many of the towns on the Ethiopian–Somali border{{Cite web |last= |date=17 June 2006 |title=Ethiopian troops massed on Somali border |url=https://sudantribune.com/article16745/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902020515/https://sudantribune.com/article16745/ |archive-date=2 September 2024 |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=Sudan Tribune |language=en-US}} and on the following day the first Ethiopian troops moved into Somali territory. Local Somali officials and residents in Gedo region reported Ethiopian armored vehicles passing through the border town of Dolow and advancing 50 km inland to Luuq.{{Cite web |date=18 June 2006 |title=Ethiopian troops cross border into Somalia |url=https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/ethiopian-troops-cross-border-into-somalia.50424 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903055640/https://timesofmalta.com/article/ethiopian-troops-cross-border-into-somalia.50424 |archive-date=3 September 2024 |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Times of Malta |language=en-gb |quote=Local officials there said about 50 armoured vehicles with Ethiopian soldiers had passed Dollow and 50 km further in at Luuq. |agency=Reuters}}{{Cite web |date=June 18, 2006 |title=Border war feared as Somali Islamists vow holy war against Ethiopia |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/border-war-feared-somali-islamists-vow-holy-war-against-ethiopia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113010110/https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/border-war-feared-somali-islamists-vow-holy-war-against-ethiopia |archive-date=13 November 2022 |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=ReliefWeb |language=en |quote=Local Somali residents of Dolo and Lugh Ganane, towns at the border with Ethiopia told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa that they saw Ethiopian troops with 50 armoured vehicles cross into Somalia. |agency=Deutsche Presse Agentur}} The Ethiopian government made the decision to support these exiled warlords in order to oppose what in their view is a critical threat posed by the Islamic Courts to their administration of the Ogaden region.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/5201470.stm Why Ethiopia is on war footing] BBC News On 19 June 2006 the ICU called for the international community to pressure Ethiopian forces to withdraw from Somalia.{{Cite web |date=2006-06-19 |title=Somali Islamists urge pressure on Ethiopia to withdraw troops |url=https://sudantribune.com/article16785/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903060532/https://sudantribune.com/article16785/ |archive-date=3 September 2024 |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Sudan Tribune |language=en-US}}

Image:Somali land 2006 08 01.png

On June 22, 2006, the ICU and TFG met together in Khartoum, Sudan to work towards a peace agreement, in which the ICU recognized the "legality" of the TFG and the TFG recognized the "reality" of the ICU.

During July, thousands of more Ethiopian troop deployed into Somalia. Reuters estimated that roughly 5,000 ENDF troops had built up inside Somalia by this point.{{cite news |date=July 20, 2006 |title=Ethiopian Troops Enter Somalia to Resist Islamic Militia |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/africa/july-dec06/somalia_07-20.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119011529/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/africa/july-dec06/somalia_07-20.html |archive-date=January 19, 2014 |access-date=2007-01-05 |publisher=PBS |df=mdy-all}} On 23 July 2006, the Ogaden National Liberation Front announced that they had shot down an Ethiopian military helicopter heading for Somalia and publicly warned that Ethiopian military movements in the Ogaden pointed towards an imminent large scale operation directed at southern Somalia.{{Cite web |last= |date=2006-07-24 |title=ONLF shoots down Ethiopian military helicopter |url=https://sudantribune.com/article17285/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213104816/https://sudantribune.com/article17285/ |archive-date=13 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=Sudan Tribune |language=en-US}} That same day, more Ethiopian troops crossed into Somalia, leading to the collapse of the Khartoum talks between the ICU and TFG. The ICU walked out of talks with the TFG after 200 ENDF troops seized Wajid, taking control of the airport and landing two helicopters. Abdirahman Janaqow, the deputy leader of the ICU executive council, announced soon after that, "The Somali government has violated the accord and allowed Ethiopian troops to enter Somali soil." The TFG claimed that no Ethiopians were in Somalia and that only their troops were in Wajid.{{Cite web |last=Hassan |first=Mohamed Olad |date=23 July 2006 |title=Ethiopian troops enter second Somali town |url=https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2006/07/23/ethiopian-troops-enter-second-somali-town/64279021007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213111402/https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2006/07/23/ethiopian-troops-enter-second-somali-town/64279021007/ |archive-date=13 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=The Star Banner |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}} BBC News confirmed reports of Ethiopian troops in Wajid during interviews with local residents and aid workers. Following the towns seizure, the ICU pledged to wage a holy war to drive out the ENDF from Somalia.{{Cite news |date=2006-07-22 |title=Ethiopians enter new Somali town |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5205634.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205064440/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/5205634.stm |archive-date=5 December 2006 |access-date=2023-12-13 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} During late July 2006, over a dozen TFG parliamentarians resigned in protest of the Ethiopian invasion.{{Cite web |date=2006-07-28 |title=Somali ministers resigns to protest Ethiopian troop deployment |url=https://sudantribune.com/article17333/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309091327/https://sudantribune.com/article17333/ |archive-date=9 March 2024 |access-date=2024-03-09 |website=Sudan Tribune |language=en-US}}

Ethiopian forces under the command of Captain Hassey Aliow had crossed the Somali border into Hiraan numerous times in 2004 and 2005, and had several local allies amongst the Baadi’ade and Ujejeen clans.[http://www.mahder.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=372 Leaked UN report on Somalia:Who supports who?] Mahder.com

The ICU moved into the Mudug region in the beginning of August, capturing Adado on 1 August following negotiations with the local clan Sultan.[https://archive.today/20130128155734/http://www.middle-east-online.com/English/?id=17148 Islamists gain ground in central Somalia] Middle East Online By August 2006 the TFG was mired in a severe internal crisis and at risk of collapse.{{Cite web |last=Crilly |first=Rob |date=2006-08-04 |title=Somalia's transitional government on the verge of collapse |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/somalias-transitional-government-verge-collapse |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903061235/https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/somalias-transitional-government-verge-collapse |archive-date=3 September 2024 |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=ReliefWeb |language=en |agency=Christian Science Monitor}}

This draws the ICU into the sphere of influence of Puntland, as Adado borders the important southern city of Galcayo. Conflict ensues almost immediately after an Islamic Court is founded in south Galkayo (Puntland disputes ownership of South Galcayo with the local Sacad clan) and escalates rapidly up to the 9th of August.

Image:Somali land 2006 08 10.png

The Sacad clan was largely divided between those Sacad who supported the ICU (the Sacad have their own Islamic Court in the capital) and those who oppose the ICU (led by Mohamed Warsame Ali "Kiimiko" and Abdi Qeybdiid). The Anti-ICU Sacad unite and prepare to form their own state in South Galcayo, in order to resist both Puntland and the ICU.

Local Sacad Clan elders of South Galkayo and the regions of Mudug and Galgadud chose to form their own regional state, bringing in the territory of Abdi Qeybdid into Galmudug (Galgadud and Mudug) on the 14th of August in order to avoid annexation into Puntland or the ICU.

The alliance with Mohammed Dheere, along with the clan-based support from the Galjeel to topple the Hawadle brought the ICU into Hiraan, conquering both Beletweyne and Buulo Barde by August 13.

Image:Somali land 2006 08 16.png

In order to make good on their promise to restore law and order to Somalia, the ICU began advancing into the territory of coastal warlords known to be engaged in piracy. The most infamous pirates in Somalia operated out of Harardhere and Hobyo, and so these towns were targeted for the anti-piracy campaign. The most infamous pirates were from the same clan as the ICU leadership, the Habar Gidir.

Harardere, the most infamous piracy port, was captured on 13 August.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4789921.stm Somali Islamists take pirate base.] BBC News

Hobyo negotiated a surrender with the ICU on August 16[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4775753.stm Somalia Islamists take key town] BBC News where Hobyo would join Galmudug. Fighting quiets down in the north as Galmudug forms a buffer state between the ICU and Puntland, ending the violence between those two

Barre Hiraale had been careful to avoid a confrontation with the ICU due to the fact that his chief opponent in the Juba Valley Alliance leadership, Mohamed Roble Jim’ale Gobale was pro-ICU. Mohamed Roble had taken part in their battle to control Mogadishu, and had the support of the ICU leadership. Barre Hiraale was pro-Government and held the position of Defence Minister in the Transitional Federal Parliament. Hiraale's fear was an ICU invasion in support of Mohamed Roble, which would lead to division within his own ranks due to partisan Sub-Clan loyalties within the JVA.[http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=557&language_id=1 Somalia Drifts Toward Fragmentation as Regional Powers Polarize] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061106003536/http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=557&language_id=1|date=2006-11-06}} PINR

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Image:Somali land 2006 09 24.png

By September, at least 7,000 Ethiopian troops were in Somalia and had begun arming warlords defeated by the ICU.{{Cite journal |last=Samatar |first=Abdi Ismail |date=2006 |title=The Miracle of Mogadishu |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4007061 |journal=Review of African Political Economy |volume=33 |issue=109 |pages=581–587 |issn=0305-6244 |jstor=4007061}} On September 24, 2006, in order to prevent the deployment of thousands of AU troops in the country, the Courts advanced Jubaland and seized Kismayo, after Barre Hirale's Juba Valley Alliance withdrew from the town in the face of overwhelming opposition and the mutiny of several JVA factions to the ICU.[https://archive.today/20120715121005/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-09/25/content_5136661.htm Islamic Courts take over Somalia's southern seaport] Xinhua Journalists reported thousands had gathered to welcome the entry of the Courts and that Kismayo had fallen to the ICU without a shot fired.{{Cite news |date=2006-09-25 |title=Islamists capture key Somali port |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5376524.stm |access-date=2024-11-26 |language=en-GB}} Ahmed Madobe was appoint ICU governor of Kismayo soon after.{{Cite web |last=PeaceRep |date=2024-03-14 |title=Justice and Security in Kismayo and Galkayo |url=https://peacerep.org/2024/03/14/justice-and-security-in-kismayo-and-galkayo/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=PeaceRep |language=en-US}}

The Juba Valley Alliance vowed to retake Kismayo, and regrouped their forces in Bu'ale.

Later, on September 29, the ICU declared their intention to unify and centralize their military forces under a single command.[https://www.hiiraan.com/print_news/2006/sept/Islamists-extend-authority-in-somalia.aspx Islamists extend authority in Somalia]

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Image:Somali land 2006 09 30.png

On September 30, 2006, minor skirmishes in the north with Ethiopian troops near the border aggravate the situation further.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070311043351/http://www.shabelle.net/news/ne1491.htm Islamic Courts forcefully conquest new environs]}} Shabelle

An attempt was made by the ICU and JVA forces to agree to a ceasefire, but Ethiopian reinforcements emboldened JVA forces sufficiently to continue the fighting. Despite this, the JVA loses Afmadow to the ICU on October 5.

Image:Somali land 2006 10 10.png

Anti-ICU protests in Kismayo sparked by a ban on the drug Khat by the organization resulted in the outbreak of violence and the imposition of a curfew.[https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/report/61170/somalia-protests-after-islamic-courts-take-kismayo Protests after Islamic Courts take Kismayo]. The New Humanitarian.

In October 10 the local Islamic Sharia court react to an Ethiopian cross-border expedition as a precursor to the Ethiopian invasion the ICU had been fearing for months, and calls for emergency reinforcements from Mogadishu and Jihad against Ethiopia are made.

Ethiopian forces had been massed over the other side of the border from Beledweyne since mid July,[http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=512&language_id=1 The Islamic Courts Union Opens a New Chapter in Somalia's Political History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061106003639/http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=512&language_id=1 |date=2006-11-06 }} PINR and the tension was palpable.

The ICU captures Bu'alle and Badhadhe from the JVA on October 15, pushing the JVA out of Lower Juba entirely. Barre Hirale attempted a final push to recapture Kismayo and Bu'alle through mid October, mustering all of his forces for a final battle near Kismayo where his forces were defeated, along with a simultaneous attempt to capture Bu'alle. Several of the Marehan subclans had opened their own negotiations with the ICU, and his position was weakening by the day.

The JVA regrouped their remaining forces in Sakow, though the alliance itself was unravelling.

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Image:Somali land 2006 10 26.png

In October 26 the ICU is victorious in Sakow, capturing the town[https://www.hiiraan.com/print2_news/2006/oct/somalia_s_islamists_take_key_town.aspx Somalia's Islamists take key town.] Hiiraan Online and pushing the JVA out of Middle Juba as well. The remains of JVA forces pull back to Bardhere in Gedo.

Transitional Government and Ethiopian troops seize Burhakaba briefly from ICU-allied militias, directly violating the Khartoum agreements. The ICU leadership consider the brief capture of Burhakaba as a violation of the peace agreement signed in Khartoum, and further talks, scheduled for the end of the month, seem less and less likely.

The fact that the government soldiers were supported by Ethiopian soldiers prompted the ICU leadership to declare a jihad against all Ethiopian soldiers in Somalia.[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-10-21/somali-government-troops-take-key-town/1291488 Somali government troops take key town]. ABC NEWS. The Beledweyne Sharia court had already issued a call for jihad earlier, but this made it official.

A televised address by Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, chairman of the Supreme Council and the most moderate and respected of the ICU leadership, wearing a military style outfit and holding an AK-47, broke the news of Jihad to Somalia. In a much more low profile move Hassan Aweys, the Shura Council chairman, took it a step further and called for all Ethiopians, Muslim or otherwise, to rise up and overthrow the "oppressive regime of Meles Zenawi".[http://english.aljazeera.net/news/archive/archive?ArchiveId=38052 Ethiopia given final warning] Al Jazeera {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061123135430/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/archive/archive?ArchiveId=38052 |date=November 23, 2006 }}

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Image:Somali land 2006 11 01.png

On November 1, 2006, the ICU forces assume control over Hobyo, which is the capital of South Mudug State, part of Galmudug.

Religious leaders in the northern half of Galkacyo (the half controlled by Puntland) set up an Islamic Court, which the government of Puntland vows to dismantle or destroy, creating a tense situation as ICU forces head towards Galmudug-controlled South Galkacyo to protect the new Islamic Court. Abdi Qebdiid, former member of the ARPCT and now an important figure in Galmudug, vows to defeat them.

Barre Hiraale returns to Baidoa, as several branches of his Marehan clan set up Islamic courts in Bardhere and Afmadow and declare their support for the Islamic Courts. As Islamist support north of Bardhere is very strong, and Bardhere was previously the last bastion of anti-ICU sentiment in Gedo, the Gedo region is poised to fall into the hands of the Islamic Courts.[http://allafrica.com/stories/200611140395.html Somalia: Islamic Court to Be Set Up in Barre Hirale's Stronghold] AllAfrica

Baidoa's military buildup continues to be plagued by division, as 30 more government soldiers along with their technicals defected to the Islamic Courts.[https://web.archive.org/web/20081014143907/http://www.somalinet.com/news/world/English/4782 Somalia: More government troops defect to Islamists] SomaliNet.

The ICU enacts into law the Prohibition of Khat in all territories they control on November 17, 2006, due to the concerns of many ICU leaders as to the social effects of Khat use, and in response to violent protests by Khat vendors in Mogadishu that lead to the death of a 13-year-old boy. This decision may prove to be counterproductive to the ICU's agenda of restoring law and order, as prohibition laws historically trend towards increased rather than decreased criminality.

Puntland's president, Adde Musa, signed a deal with the Islamic Court of Galkayo in order to stem the tide of violence that the town had experienced for over a week.[http://www.garoweonline.com/stories/publish/article_6052.shtml Somalia: Puntland leader reaches deal with local Islamic clerics] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311042939/http://www.garoweonline.com/stories/publish/article_6052.shtml |date=2007-03-11 }} Garowe Online

Image:Somali land 2006 11 26.png

On November 26, armed with over 30 "technicals", gunmen allied with the Islamic Courts have been reported to have taken full control over the town of Abudwaq, in western Galgadud region bordering Ethiopia.[http://www.garoweonline.com/stories/publish/article_6151.shtml Somalia: Islamists take full control of border town] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311042829/http://www.garoweonline.com/stories/publish/article_6151.shtml |date=2007-03-11 }} Garowe Online Abudwaq was the power base of Abdi Qebdiid, limiting Galmudug to South Galcayo alone.

Ogaden Online reported that the Ethiopian government was masterminded false flag attacks on the ICU.[http://www.ogaden.com/nws01Dec06.htm Breaking News: Ethiopian plots against Somalia fulfilled] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927174841/http://www.ogaden.com/nws01Dec06.htm |date=2007-09-27 }} Ogaden Online

Matters escalated further as an Ethiopian convoy was ambushed by pro-ICU forces near Baidoa,[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6159059.stm Islamists 'ambush' Ethiopia truck] BBC News the day after Ethiopian forces fired missiles at Bandiradley.

Another car bomb exploded in Bakin, on the approaches to Baidoa, on November 30. The minibus had served carrying people between Mogadishu and Baidoa.[https://archive.today/20120224234725/http://allafrica.com/stories/200611300742.html Somalia: Car Bomb Explosion Causes Casualties in Baidoa] Shabelle Media Network

Image:Somali land 2006 12 02.png

In December 2, 350 soldiers from the Digil and Mirifle clans defected from the ICU to the government.[http://www.garoweonline.com/stories/publish/article_6271.shtml Somalia: 350 Islamist fighters defect: Govt]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Garowe Online Dinsoor, a primarily Digil and Mirifle district under Southwestern Somali administration, defects to the ICU.[http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5348 Somalia: Islamists take control of another town close to government base] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312040919/http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5348 |date=2007-03-12 }} Somalinet The Digil and Mirifle are a major clan in Somalia, with large populations throughout Bay and Bakool regions, and the shift in support weakened the government position considerably.

The Digil and Mirifle clans make up the broader Rahanweyn group of clans, and the leader of the Rahanweyn Resistance Army, Aden Saran-Sor, has been accused of opposing the government since October 31.[http://somalinet.com/news/world/English/4684 Somalia: Minister dismisses opposition claims] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014143901/http://www.somalinet.com/news/world/English/4684 |date=2008-10-14 }} Somalinet

On December 6, the United Nations Security Council approved a deployment of IGAD peacekeepers exempt from the UN arms embargo to protect Baidoa, effectively taking sides in the conflict. Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti were barred from taking part in the peacekeeping operation, leaving it up to Uganda, Tanzania and Eritrea. The resolution is primarily aimed at encouraging Uganda to deploy troops to protect Baidoa, which is a highly controversial issue in Uganda due to the UN arms embargo and the threats of the ICU to fight any peacekeepers in Somalia.[https://web.archive.org/web/20120224234615/http://allafrica.com/stories/200612080085.html Uganda: UPDF Cleared for Somalia Peace Plan.] AllAfrica

On December 7, 2006, The Eritrean Permanent Mission to the UN officially denied its nation had any troops in Somalia.[https://web.archive.org/web/20120224234648/https://allafrica.com/stories/200612070215.html Eritrea: Country Does Not Have Troops in Somalia] AllAfrica

On December 8, the ICU reported heavy fighting with government forces, backed by Ethiopian troops in the town of Dinsoor, in what many fear would spark an invasion of the heavily fortified city of Baidoa by the massed ICU forces stationed in Burhakaba.BBC News, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6162199.stm 'Heavy fighting' in Somali town]. Accessed December 9, 2006. Residents in Baidoa began fleeing the city, in fear of the fighting spilling over into Baidoa.

Reports indicate that the ICU began advancing towards Tyeeglow on December 11, 2006, continuing the encirclement of Baidoa.[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2006/12/12/islamic-courts-threaten-war Islamic courts threaten war]. Al Jazeera. From Tyeeglow the ICU has the ability to attack the northern supply routes to Baidoa with virtual impunity. To entirely encircle Baidoa, the ICU needs to capture Hudur, Luuk and Wajid, and these towns are all along the road from Tyeeglow.

On December 13, Somalia's prime minister announced Islamic Courts Union (ICU) forces were moving into positions for an attack on the last government stronghold of Baidoa in "what may now be an inevitable war".[https://archive.today/20061221074511/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L13858540.htm Somali PM says Islamists preparing attack on govt], Reuters. The settlement of Ufurow, 90 km from the interim government capital at Baidoa, capitulated to the ICU without fighting. ICU troops were said to be within 20 km of Baidoa near Buurhakaba.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070311072022/http://allafrica.com/stories/200612130644.html Somalia: Islamist Fighters Grab a Fresh Settlement], Shabelle Media Network. Government troops held a front line at Daynuunay, and ICU troops — identified by a local resident as being from the SICC (Somalia Islamic Courts Council) — were described as within 2 km of their positions and advancing.[https://archive.today/20070101221030/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L13220054.htm Troops dig in as Somalia war fears grow], Reuters. Rumors suggested the ICU was also moving to capture the non-aligned area of Tiyoglow 90 km northeast of Boidoa.[https://web.archive.org/web/20120224234754/http://allafrica.com/stories/200612120177.html Somalia: Islamist Chair to Fly to Yemen as Tension in the Country Runs High], All Africa.

A Reuters report cited the ICU claimed 30,000 Ethiopian troops were involved in Somalia, while 4,000 foreign fighters were involved on the side of the ICU.[https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/troops-dig-somalia-war-fears-grow Troops dig in as Somalia war fears grow], Reuters. Ethiopia denied having troops other than "military advisors" present.

Meanwhile, Italian special envoy to Ethiopia, Mario Raffaelli, met with the ICU in Mogadishu to attempt peacemaking, but was met with skepticism.[https://archive.today/20081204150444/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/07c30514cfd974a58b624a5ff68ea8f8.htm Somalia: Bid to Avert All-Out War], UN Integrated Regional Information Networks. Somalia's parliament speaker Sharif Hassan Sheik Aden and ICU chairman Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed met in succession with Yemeni president Ali Abdalla Salah. Arab League efforts for peace talks in Khartoum, Sudan, were postponed, angering the ICU.[http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5730 Somalia peace dialogue faces delay] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014143933/http://www.somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5730 |date=2008-10-14 }}, SomaliNet News.

In Garowe, Puntland on the same day, police opened fire on the security forces surrounding Puntland President Mohamud Adde Muse, protesting lack of payment. It was also reported soldiers robbed a bank because of government neglect.[http://www.garoweonline.com/stories/publish/article_6468.shtml Police open fire on Puntland leader]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Garowe Online

On December 14, 2006, the ICU entered Salagle, one of the few towns in the Juba region outside of their control.[http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5766 Islamic Courts seize new town] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312023955/http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5766 |date=2007-03-12 }} Somalinet News Two soldiers loyal to the TFG Minister of Defense, Col. Barre Hirale, were ambushed and killed between Baardhere and Dinsoor.[http://www.garoweonline.com/stories/publish/article_6487.shtml 2 soldiers killed in ambush]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Garowe Online

On December 15, dozens of former fighters for the TFG arrived in Mogadishu riding six technicals, three trucks armed with antiaircraft guns and three pickups mounting machine guns. The fighters cited their desire to leave was due to Baidoa coming under Ethiopian control. They defected 40 days before (presumably about November 5) and finally reached the capital after moving slowly through the jungle. The ICU claimed over 600 troops have defected since February 2006. The defecting troops were disarmed and ordered to undergo new training.[http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5825 Islamists welcome defected government militia in the capital] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014143944/http://www.somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5825 |date=2008-10-14 }} SomaliNet In Washington, Assistant Secretary of State, Jendayi Frazer said that the United States had no plans to commit troops to Somalia, and urged African nations to meet the commitments of the UN resolution for peacekeepers.[https://archive.today/20130926115019/http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/article/2006/12/20061215170307mvyelwarc0.629574.html%23axzz2fzxUUDDU U.S. Does Not Plan To Send Troops Against al-Qaida in Somalia ] US State Department

On December 16, the Parliament Speaker Sharif Hassan Sheik Aden for the Transitional Government in Somalia bypassed the government and signed an agreement with the Union of Islamic Courts toward a peace initiative, the Transitional Government said the agreement was invalid, however, as he had bypassed his authority.[http://www.eritreadaily.net/News1206/article1206160.htm Parliament leader signs pact with ICU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008100459/http://www.eritreadaily.net/News1206/article1206160.htm |date=October 8, 2007 }} Eritrean Daily

On December 17, the Islamic Courts claimed 200 troops from the Manas camp in al-Bayan region defected to their side.[http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5872 Govt. troops continue to join Islamists] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014143958/http://www.somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5872 |date=2008-10-14 }} SomaliNet Salad Ali Jelle, deputy defense minister for the TFG, denied this claim and further asserted the TFG had 6,000 troops under its command ready to defend its territory.[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/17/ap/world/mainD8M2ODJ00.shtml Somalia Islamists Discuss Defections] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321010457/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/17/ap/world/mainD8M2ODJ00.shtml |date=2008-03-21 }} CBS News Also on the 17th, General Mohamed Muse Hersi, also known as "Adde Muse," President of the autonomous Somali province of Puntland, flew to Baidoa to meet with the TFG.[http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5871 Puntland president visits Baidoa, government base] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014143949/http://www.somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5871 |date=2008-10-14 }} SomaliNet

On December 19, the ICU declared that it was not going to attack after the lapse of the one-week timeframe for Ethiopian withdrawal. Both sides seem to have backed away from a military confrontation at this time.[https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/20/world/africa/20somalia.html Rivals in Somalia Pull Back From Confrontation] New York Times Fifty more government troops were said to have defected in Gedo province and were now with the ICU in Bur Dhubo.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200635/http://www.shabelle.net/news/ne1898.htm 50 government soldiers defect]}} Shabelle Media Network TFG Premier Ali Mohammed Gedi raised the claim of foreign fighters present in Somalia to 5000.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200729/http://www.shabelle.net/news/ne1894.htm Somalia premier says foreign extremists fight alongside Islamists]}}, Shabelle Media Network. ICU commander Sheikh Ahmed Hassan Abuu Rayan stated he was positioning an unspecified number more militia troops along the border with Ethiopia in Far Libah town, Hiran region.[http://www.garoweonline.com/stories/publish/article_6560.shtml Islamists deploy more militia near Ethiopia border] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106223059/http://www.garoweonline.com/stories/publish/article_6560.shtml |date=2007-01-06 }} Garowe Online ICU forces were also said to be approaching Bardhere in Gedo province near the Kenyan border. Colonel Abdulahi Sheik Fara-Tag was named as the commander of the TFG forces defending the town from attack.[http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5950 ICU to capture Bardhere town] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110202049/http://www.somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/5950 |date=2007-01-10 }} SomaliNet

{{main|Battle of Baidoa|Somalia War (2006–2009)}}

Image:Somali land 2006 12 23.png

Image:Somali land 2006 12 25.png

On December 20, major fighting broke out around the TFG capital of Baidoa. Thirteen trucks filled with Ethiopian reinforcements were reported en route to the fighting. However, leaders of both groups are keeping an option open for peace talks brokered by the EU.[https://archive.today/20210905131915/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/133056/Somali-Islamist-downplays-war-fears-amid-clashes Somali Islamist downplays war fears amid clashes] tehrantimes.com[https://archive.today/20070624195721/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L20540919.htm Somali govt, Islamists to resume talks amid clashes] Reuters

On December 22, nearly 20 Ethiopian tanks were seen heading toward the front line. According to government sources Ethiopia has 20 T-55 tanks and four attack helicopters in Baidoa. It is not known if these tanks are taking part in the battle.[https://archive.today/20070101221305/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L22886890.htm Ethiopian tanks roll in Somali battle's fourth day] Reuters

On December 23, Ethiopian tanks and further reinforcements arrived in Daynuunay, 30 kilometres east of Baidoa; prompting ICU forces to vow all-out war despite a commitment to an EU-brokered peace. Heavy fighting continued in Iidale and Dinsoor.[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2006-12-23/ethiopian-tanks-move-into-battle-with-somalia/2160552 Ethiopian tanks move into battle with Somalia Islamists]. AFP

On December 24, Ethiopia admits that its troops are fighting the

Islamists, after stating earlier in the week that it had only sent several hundred

military advisors to Baidoa. Heavy fighting erupted in border areas, with

air strikes and shelling being reported. Eyewitness said Ethiopian troops

bombarded the ICU-held town of Beledweyne. According to Ethiopian Information Minister Berhan Hailu: "The Ethiopian government has taken self-defensive measures and started counter-attacking the aggressive extremist forces of the Islamic Courts and foreign terrorist groups."

Image:Somali land 2006 12 26.png

Image:Somali land 2006 12 27.png

On December 25, Ethiopian and Somali forces captured Beledweyne, with ICU forces fleeing Beledweyne at the same time Ethiopian fighter jets bombed two airports. Heavy fighting was also reported in Burhakaba.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6208549.stm Ethiopia attacks Somalia airports] BBC News

On December 26, the ICU was in retreat on all fronts, losing much of the territory they gained in the months preceding the Ethiopian intervention. They reportedly fell back to Daynuunay and Mogadishu.[https://archive.today/20210905133318/https://www.hiiraan.com/print2_news/2006/dec/islamic_forces_retreat_in_somalia.aspx Islamic forces retreat in Somalia] - Hiiraan Online

On December 27, Ethiopian and Somali government forces were reported en route to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu after capturing the strategic town of Jowhar, 90 km from the capital. The UIC were in control of little more than the coast. Islamist leaders evacuated many towns without putting up a fight. Also, the UIC top two commanders, defense chief Yusuf Indade and his deputy Abu Mansur were away on the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6211573.stm Ethiopians nearing Somali capital] BBC News

After the Fall of Mogadishu to the Ethiopian and government forces on December 28, fighting continued in the Juba River valley, where the UIC retreated, establishing a new headquarters in the city of Kismayo. Intense fighting was reported on December 31 in the Battle of Jilib and the ICU frontlines collapsed during the night to artillery fire, causing the ICU to once again go into retreat, abandoning Kismayo, without a fight and retreating towards the Kenyan border.{{cite news

|first=Mohamed Abdi

|last=Farah

|title=Somalia: Islamists lost their last strongholds

|publisher=SomaliNet

|date=2007-01-01

|url=http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/6324

|accessdate=2007-01-01

|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117030852/http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/6324

|archivedate=17 January 2007

|url-status=dead

}}

{{clear}}

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{{War in Somalia (2006–2009)}}

{{War in Somalia (2009–)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Islamic Courts Union offensive, 2006}}

Category:Battles of the Somali Civil War (1980s–2006)

Category:2006 in Somalia

Category:Battles in 2006

Category:Political history of Somalia

Islamic Courts Union

Category:Ethiopian involvement in the Somali Civil War

Category:American involvement in the Somali Civil War

Category:Ethiopia–United States relations

Category:Battles involving the Islamic Courts Union