Radio Shabeelle (in Somali)

[Presenter] The Union of Islamic Courts [UIC] has claimed that its fighters had captured Manaas military base in Bay Region [south-central Somalia]. Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala has the details.

[Al-Adala] UIC’s operations spokesman, Shaykh Abdirahim Ise Adow, told Radio Shabeelle this morning that their fighters have attacked Manaas military base, 45 kilometres southwest of Baydhabo, the seat of the Somali parliament.

The spokesman said, as he put it, that some government soldiers at the base were killed, others fled, while others have been captured.

[Adow] In the name of Allah. Thanks to God. Peace be upon his prophet. Brother, UIC fighters captured Manaas military base, which is close to Baydhabo, in an attack this morning. With the grace of God, the Mujahidins captured the base. Some of the puppet forces fled, some were killed, while some were captured. The operation is under way, we will give detailed information soon by God’s will. Brother, the operation is going on right now. There are prisoners captured and there are dead bodies. A lot of weapons and including ammunitions were seized. The counting is under way. We will soon give you the details. The base and the village of Manaas are both in the hands of Mujahidins. They are speaking to the local residents.

[Al-Adala] Efforts to contact the commanders of government forces at the base were futile since their phones were off.