Islamists retreat as Somali/Ethiopian forces gain ground.

On Tuesday (26 Dec), Islamists retreated more than 30 miles to the southeast from Daynuney, a town just south of Baidoa, the government headquarters.

The Islamic forces also abandoned their main stronghold in Buurhakaba (southern sector) and were forming convoys headed toward the capital, Mogadishu.

Somali government and Ethiopian troops entered the town of Buulebarde (center sector) and Galinsor, south of Galcaio (northern sector) and appeared to be pushing south from this position.
"We have withdrawn as part of our military strategy," said Sheik Mohamoud Ibrahim Suley, an official with the Islamic council in Mogadishu.

Like other Islamists, it appears they are retreating from major fights, overwhelming firepower and will begin a guerilla war and employ suicide bombers.

For its part, Somali government and Ethiopian troops appear to be executing a three-pronged attack which will culminate in Mogadishu.

For an interactive map, click here.

Al Qeada has been trying to take over Somalia to establish the African portion of their caliphate. Up to now, they have been successful and it seemed this front would go unchallenged. Ethiopia has now entered into the Global War on Terrorism and is preventing Al Qeada from establishing Somalia as a base of operations. As more and more countries come online and understand that this is truly a world war against democracy and Christianity, Al Qeada is going to have to decide where to focus its efforts. For now, the third front of Al Qeada has been challenged and Somali/Ethiopian forces are advancing against the Islamists.