Ethiopia attacks Somalia

Ethiopian fighter jets pounded several Somali towns held by a powerful Islamic militia, a sharp escalation in violence that threatens to engulf the volatile Horn of Africa in widespread violence.

Ethiopian fighter jets pounded several Somali towns held by a powerful Islamic militia, a sharp escalation in violence that threatens to engulf the volatile Horn of Africa in widespread violence.

Ethiopia confirmed the attacks, the first time it has acknowledged that its troops were fighting in Somalia, though witnesses have reported their presence for weeks. The airstrikes hit the strategic town of Belet Weyne on the Ethiopian border and surrounding villages up to 12 miles away, said Sheik Mohamoud Ibrahim Suley, an official with Somalia8217;s Council of Islamic Courts. A resident of Belet Weyne 8212; Ayanle Husein Abdi8212;- said the strikes hit a strategic road and a recruiting centre. Ethiopia said it was acting to defend itself.

8220;After too much patience, the Ethiopian government has taken a self-defensive measure and has begun counterattacking the aggressive extremist forces,8221; said Solomon Abebe, Ethiopia8217;s foreign affairs spokesman. Abdi said that the planes hit an Islamic centre where the Islamic officials in the region enrolled volunteers who wanted to join the war. Another witness, Said Abukar Sahal, said the strikes were targeting the roads and defences of the Islamic militia.

The Council of Islamic Courts has vowed to drive out troops from neighbouring Ethiopia, a largely Christian nation that is providing military support to Somalia8217;s UN-backed government. Somalia has not had an effective government since warlords overthrew longtime dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, plunging the country into chaos. The Islamic courts have steadily gained power since June, raising concerns about an emerging Taliban-style regime. The US accuses the group of having ties to al-Qaeda, which it denies.

Somalia8217;s government spokesman, Abdirahman Dinari, said from Baidoa that his forces have 8220;inflicted massive casualties,8221; although the claim could not be independently confirmed.

The Ethiopian airstrikes on Sunday were the first against Somalia8217;s Islamic movement. Ethiopia and Somalia have fought two wars over their disputed border in the last 45 years.