Somalia: Al-Shabaab Bans WFP Food Distribution in Southern Somalia

2 November 2009

Somalia's insurgent group Al-Shabaab has banned the UN World Food Program from distributing humanitarian foodstuffs bearing US flag in southern Somalia.

Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali Abu Mansur, one of group's top leaders in southern Somali regions accused the world food agency of supplying US-flagged rations in their regions at harvesting season in a bid to undermine farmers and traders.

"WFP has made it norm to distribute food aid in the regions at harvesting time, we caution them about that. And also it can't hand out foodstuffs bearing US flags in our regions," he charged.

Abu Mansur urged residents to stop being dependent on assistance from infidels, warning those who rely on food aid.

WFP is one of few aid agencies that have been allowed to operate in southern Somali regions, which is largely controlled by Al-Shabaab.

Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab has vowed to defend and liberate Palestinian people from Israel's aggressions.

"We will not allow Israel to torment Muslim Palestinians and also destroy the Holy Al-Aqsa mosque. We will defend it," Abu Mansur charged while addressing gathering in Baidoa city on Friday.

Abu Mansur said his group would target anyone affiliated with the US, urging Washington to cease from interfering in Somali affairs.

Hundreds of Somalis have also held anti-Israel demonstrations in Al-Shabaab-controlled regions of Bay, Bakool, Lower Jubba, Middle and Lower Shabelle and parts of the capital Mogadishu.

In the capital, Al-Shabaab announced the formation of a special military unit named Quds Brigade, headed by Abdifatah Aweys Abu-Hamsa tasked to liberate and defend the holy mosque of Al-Aqsa.

Source: allAfrica.
Link: http://allafrica.com/stories/200911021646.html.