KavkazCenter - More than 300 puppet troops defect as dead line nears

More than 300 puppet troops defect as dead line nears

In the past 5 days almost 300 puppet "government" troops left the town of Baidoa, most joining the Islamic courts and some leaving for their clan based regions. The latest defection happened yesterday when more than 200 troops left the Manaas military camp furious at the presence of ethiopian soldiers in the town.

One of the defected soldiers named Ali Nasir said

"After we have seen that we are under the occupation of Ethiopian troops and felt narrow because of our beliefs of being Muslim, we decided to defect to our Islamic Courts brothers".

And he further stated "We have made several contacts with Islamic officials and they accepted to escape on their side and I am thanking for their hospitality."

The defection follows Friday's arrival in Mogadishu of dozens of former world's militia arriving from Baidoa after 40 day journey with around 6 vehicles including one ZUU truck (anti aircraft Gunner).

Since the UN lifted the arms embargo and the Dinsoor battle almost 360 troops left the puppet "government" further weakling their battle lines.

KC and agencies