London BBC World Service “Focus on Africa” program (in English) — 1615 GMT

Reports from Somalia say that the country’s biggest Air Force base has been attacked by rebels and a number of Somali Air Force planes destroyed. It is the latest incident in the current wave of political instability and civil strife affecting Somalia. At the same time, the BBC has obtained evidence that the Somali Government is employing foreign mercenaries in its Air Force. Peter Bowels reports from neighboring Kenya:

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According to reliable sources, the attack on the Balidogle Air Force base, which lies at the west of Mogadishu on the main road to Baidoa, took place on Sunday. It is thought to have been carried out by rebels of the United Somali Congress, who were recently reported to be only 50 km from Mogadishu and also known to have infiltrated the capital in four groups.

At least three Somali Air Force places are said to have been destroyed in the attack. This is certain to have a serious effect on the future capability of Somalia’s small air force. There are also unconfirmed reports that the government-held town of Beledweyne, close to the Ethippian border, has recently been attacked by rebel forces.

It also emerged that the Somali Government recently authorized the payment of $600,000 for the services of a number of foreign pilots and technicians, who are flying Hunter aircraft for the Somali Air Force. The payment is for a period of 12 months from 13 November this year. On Sunday, the biggest rebel group, the Somali National Movement (SNM), alleged that nearly 80 foreign mercenaries from South Africa and other countries had been recruited by President Siad Barre. The SNM again ruled out peace talks with the Somali Government, as they said President Barre no longer controls the country or even the capital, Mogadishu.

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_{FBIS-AFR-90-244, 19 Dec. 1990, p. 7}