Radio Voice of Mudug 

The chairman of the ousted Union of Islamic Courts [UIC], Shaykh Sharif Shaykh Ahmad, has announced to step up attacks against Ethiopian troops in Mogadishu.

Speaking to the press in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, he reiterated that operations against what he called foreign intervention would continue until the Ethiopian troops withdraw out of the country.

He also said that it was unacceptable for the Ethiopians to stay in Somalia, adding that they will redouble attacks and explosions in Mogadishu. The leader of the UIC stated that his group will start new tactics to force Ethiopian troops backing what he described as the weak government of Somalia to withdraw.

He said that the UIC have the right to get its freedom and Somalis will regain their freedom.

Transitional Federal Government [TFG] forces supported by Ethiopian troops ousted the Union of Islamic Courts last December which was controlling southern Somalia after it tried to take over Baydhabo, the interim seat of TFG.

UIC had been accused of terrorist activities in the Horn of Africa and planning to impose extremism in Somalia.

UIC carries guerrilla fight against Ethiopian and Somalis forces in the Mogadishu and turned down invitation to attend the on going national reconciliation conference in Mogadishu backed by the International community.