MOGADISHU, Somalia (Garowe Online) – Woyanne troops leading security operations in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, searched through a mosque in Yaaqshiid district Wednesday, witnesses said.
After searching for weapons at al-Sadiiq mosque, the Ethiopian [Woyanne] soldiers destroyed the women’s prayer section and the footbath where Muslim worshippers ritually cleanse their bodies before prayer, according to mosque officials and congregants.
An eyewitness said the heavily armed Woyannes kept everyone at bay as they ransacked through the mosque, searching for weapons and explosives used in attacks.
Al-Sadiiq is the fourth Mogadishu mosque to be targeted by authorities in less than two months, prompting locals to complain to the interim Somali government.
A decree issued today from the Ministry of Religious Affairs has ordered mosque imams and preachers to register with the ministry regarding sermons, curriculum and donors who pay for the mosques’ expenses.
The decree was signed by Sheikh Ali Dheere, Director-General of the ministry.
Bakara violence
Insurgent attacks continued at Mogadishu’s Bakara market, two full weeks after the security operation at the market began.
At least one police officer died when hand grenades were hurled at police near a busy intersection, witnesses said. Seven others, including another policeman, were wounded in the attack.
A second explosion inside Bakara market damaged property but hurt no one.
Meanwhile, Mogadishu police tore down more illegally built structures along roads leading into Bakara. Area business groups were seen loading their merchandise onto waiting trucks, preparing to leave the market.
“I’m leaving this [Bakara] market after six years of business,” said a gold trader, who went on to say that he was relocating to another of Mogadishu’s main markets due to security concerns.
The interim government, backed by its Woyanne military allies, has been largely unable to secure Bakara, despite flooding the market with police and soldiers for the past two weeks.