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Red Cross fear over Somalia 'war' Ethiopia attacks Somalia airport
(about 1 hour later)
The International Red Cross has urged warring parties in Somalia to protect civilians amid escalating fighting. Ethiopian fighter jets have bombed Mogadishu international airport in Somalia, airport officials have said.
Thousands of Somalis are fleeing clashes between Islamist fighters and Ethiopian troops in what the Red Cross calls the worst fighting in years. It was not clear how many times the airport was struck but at least one person was reported injured.
There were unconfirmed reports early on Monday of Ethiopian fighter jets attacking Mogadishu airport. Mogadishu is held by an Islamist militia, which has been fighting the Ethiopia-backed interim government.
Ethiopia backs Somalia's transitional government, and is attacking the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) on four fronts. Ethiopia's prime minister has said his country is "at war" with the Islamists, and the Red Cross has urged all parties to protect civilians from harm.
On Sunday Ethiopia admitted for the first time that its troops are fighting in Somalia. The airport in Mogadishu was recently re-opened by the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) - which holds most of central and southern Somalia.
PM Meles Zenawi said Ethiopia was forced to defend its sovereignty against "terrorists" and anti-Ethiopians. The BBC's Adam Mynott, in the region, says the attack is a clear indication Ethiopia is carrying through its threat to hit Islamist positions in pursuit of what it claims is self-defence.
The UIC, which has seized control of much of southern and central Somalia, says Ethiopian troops have been fighting alongside government forces for months. Wide front
On Sunday Ethiopia admitted for the first time its troops were fighting in Somalia and began attacking the UIC on four fronts.
We are not trying to set up a government for Somalia, nor do we have an intention to meddle in Somalia internal affairs Meles ZenawiEthiopian Prime Minister Q&A: Islamist advance Town on brink of war Can war be averted?We are not trying to set up a government for Somalia, nor do we have an intention to meddle in Somalia internal affairs Meles ZenawiEthiopian Prime Minister Q&A: Islamist advance Town on brink of war Can war be averted?
Aid agencies say the fighting is putting further pressure on what is already a weak support system in the country. There were reports of heavy fighting, including air strikes, around the UIC-held town of Beledweyne near the Ethiopian-Somali border.
Fighting between the transitional government and forces loyal to the UIC now stretches over 400km (250 miles). PM Meles Zenawi said Ethiopia was forced to defend its sovereignty against "terrorists" and anti-Ethiopians.
Speaking on Sunday, Mr Meles defended the Ethiopian operation: "We are not trying to set up a government for Somalia, nor do we have an intention to meddle in Somalia internal affairs. We have only been forced by the circumstances," Mr Meles said.
"We are not trying to set up a government for Somalia, nor do we have an intention to meddle in Somalia internal affairs. We have only been forced by the circumstances.
"We want to end this war urgently and we hope that Ethiopian people stand by the defence forces.""We want to end this war urgently and we hope that Ethiopian people stand by the defence forces."
'Air strikes' Fighting between the transitional government and forces loyal to the UIC now stretches over 400km (250 miles).
Thousands of Somalis have fled the clashes.
Aid agencies say the fighting is putting further pressure on what is already a weak support system in the country.
The UIC, which has seized control of much of southern and central Somalia, says Ethiopian troops have been fighting alongside government forces for months.
'Sovereignty'
Speaking in Addis Ababa, the Somali ambassador, Abdikarin Farah, who represents the transitional government, said it was still ready to negotiate with the UIC.Speaking in Addis Ababa, the Somali ambassador, Abdikarin Farah, who represents the transitional government, said it was still ready to negotiate with the UIC.
The government is getting military help from Ethiopia"We are not the people who are pushing the war; we are not the people who are advancing. We are only defending ourselves - that's it. But still the negotiation, it's open and we are ready to have some kind of ceasefire."The government is getting military help from Ethiopia"We are not the people who are pushing the war; we are not the people who are advancing. We are only defending ourselves - that's it. But still the negotiation, it's open and we are ready to have some kind of ceasefire."
Ethiopia says its forces have killed hundreds of Islamists, but Ibrahim Hassan Addow, foreign secretary for the UIC, told the BBC the Ethiopians were lying and that his forces were holding their own.Ethiopia says its forces have killed hundreds of Islamists, but Ibrahim Hassan Addow, foreign secretary for the UIC, told the BBC the Ethiopians were lying and that his forces were holding their own.
Air strikes and shelling were reported in border areas. Eyewitnesses said Ethiopian fighters bombarded the UIC-held town of Beledweyne near the border, on the fifth day of renewed fighting.
The Islamist group - which controls most of the south, including the capital, Mogadishu - on Saturday appealed for foreign fighters to join its troops in a "holy war" against Ethiopia.The Islamist group - which controls most of the south, including the capital, Mogadishu - on Saturday appealed for foreign fighters to join its troops in a "holy war" against Ethiopia.
The UN estimates that at least 8,000 Ethiopian troops may be in the country, while rival Eritrea is said to have deployed some 2,000 troops in support of the Islamic group.The UN estimates that at least 8,000 Ethiopian troops may be in the country, while rival Eritrea is said to have deployed some 2,000 troops in support of the Islamic group.
Are you or anyone you know near conflict zone? Please send us your experiences and contact details using the post form below.Are you or anyone you know near conflict zone? Please send us your experiences and contact details using the post form below.
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