Islamists Attack in Mogadishu Against Government (updated)
By Andrew Cochran
As Douglas Farah reported below, the transitional government in Somalia is on very shaky ground and needs immediate assistance from African nations to prevent a reversion to Islamist influence. The presidential palace in Mogadishu has been attacked, presumably by UIC remnants and supporters, and over a dozen explosions and gunfire have been heard in the capital. UPDATE from Reuters: "'Eight mortar shells were fired at Villa Somalia, but only five hit. The other three went into nearby houses,' a senior government source told Reuters, confirming that President Abdullahi Yusuf was inside at the time of the guerrilla-style attack." Reuters also quotes two "ex-fighters" claiming, "Many Islamists have started infiltrating Mogadishu again."
This sounds like a UIC attempt to quickly decapitate the transitional government of its leadership before it gets settled in Mogadishu.