Ethiopian backed Somali forces battle Islamists along three fronts.

On Wednesday (20 Dec 06), Somali forces backed by Ethiopian forces attacked across three fronts.

On Sunday (24 Dec 06), Ethiopian Prime Minister acknowledged that his country was “forced to enter a war” against the Somali Council of Islamic Courts.

In the North, the immediate objective appears to be Gaalkacyo in the Mudug Region. Fighting between Somali/ Ethiopian forces and Islamists is still occuring.

In the Center, the immediate objective is Beledweyne. Col. Abdi Yusuf Ahmed, a Somali commander stated his forces entered Beledweyne Monday (25 Dec 06) without firing a shot.

In the South, Somali/Ethopian forces are in control of Baidba and fighting is taking place in Buurhakaba.

The Central and South battle will almost certainly culminate in Mogadishu where Ethiopian jets damaged the main airport.

The battles in Gaalkacyo and Beledweyne have sealed the main Kala-Bayrka road between the Hiraan and Mudug region which is key to the Islamists.

Click here to see a presentation of the fighting.