Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, October 25, 1993 TAG: 9310250048
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MOGADISHU, SOMALIA LENGTH: Medium
Somalis said two people were killed and three wounded in an hour-long shootout over a water well.
The gunfight was adjacent to the Kilometer Four traffic circle in the southern stronghold of Gen. Mohamed Farrah Aidid, whose supporters held their regular Sunday rally barely a mile away. It wasn't clear if those in the shootout were affiliated with Aidid or his opponents.
Aidid's deputy, Mohamed Nur Aliyo, repeated warnings against a demonstration planned for today. Protesters plan to cross the Green Line dividing rival clan leader Ali Mahdi Mohamed's territory from south Mogadishu.
Tens of thousands of people are expected.
"If they come over, we are not responsible for what will happen," Aliyo told hundreds of cheering people at the rally. "They want this to create problems, not support peace."
Ali Mahdi broadcast a message: "If anyone tries to interfere, we will cross by force."
More guns were seen on the streets, and both sides reportedly were arming themselves.
There are fears Ali Mahdi wants to provoke conflict in hopes the 33-country U.N. force will be forced to intervene and renew its fight against Aidid.
U.N. sources said Ali Mahdi has refused suggestions for less provocative routes for the march. U.N. troops are supposed to fire only when they are in danger, but an attack on them could drag them into the fray. U.S. soldiers then might be forced to intervene.
"If there is a requirement for us to go on the ground, then we will do so and we will do so in force," U.S. military spokesman Col. Steve Rausch said.
An American army helicopter dropped fliers over the city on Sunday warning: "If any attempt is made against UNOSOM [U.N. Operations in Somalia] installations or its army, UNOSOM forces will take appropriate action."
The demonstration also threatens to spark internal clashes in Aidid's Somali National Alliance.
On Sunday, pickup trucks with armed guards toured south Mogadishu with megaphones, urging people to march. They were manned by dissidents from Aidid's alliance who believe he is obstructing peace.
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by CNB