Africa

Militia Attack WFP Convoy

April 26, 2010   ·   134060 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2Fmilitia-attack-wfp-convoy-13406Militia+Attack+WFP+Convoy2010-04-26+07%3A38%3A33Hassan+Alihttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2F%3Fp%3D13406

GAROWE, (Somalilandpress) – A group of armed clan militia attacked a World Food Programme convoy in the town of Tukaraq, located in Somaliland-Puntland border, yesterday.

About 30 trucks carrying food aid for Somalia’s central regions from the port of Berbera were stopped by armed militia on the Puntland-border, demanding cash and keys. The situation quickly turned into a fierce clash between armed escorts and the militia, resulting in one militia killed and another wounded.

The Puntland police also arrested a number of militia men in connection with the failed attempt to hijack the trucks.

The governor of Nugal, Mr. Abdi Hersi Ali told the local press that they managed to rescue the convoy. “It is unfortunate that they attacked a humanitarian aid” he said.

This is the second time that WFP trucks from Somaliland carrying aid for Somalia’s needy people have been targeted by armed militias in Puntland. Last month, at least four vehicles were hijacked by pirates who were demanding release of some of their members arrested in Somaliland prison cells.

In recent times, WFP has been supplying food aid to Somalia’s central regions through Berbera port which is the main port in the region after Djibouti.

There is no official statement from WFP regarding the incident.

Somalilandpress, 26 April 2010

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By Hassan Ali

Tags: convoy, Food Aid, Militia, pirates, Puntland, Somali, Somalia, Somaliland, WFP