By Aweys Osman Yusuf

Mogadishu, 16 June 2007 - The Ugandan (AMISOM) troops in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, have detonated massive accumulations of diverse weapons in Muriyo concave near Halane army training compound in south of the Somalia capital on Saturday.

Resident in south Mogadishu reported they heard the deafening sounds of mine explosions that rocked the residential neighborhoods.

"My kids and I were very frightened and we were just about to flee after repeated loud blasts shook our house," said Luul Suleiman, a resident in Medina district.

Mussa, the commanding officer of a contingent of Ugandan soldiers who blew up the weapons and the bombs which were exhibited before setting them off, told journalists that some of the explosives were similar to those used in the chronic blasts in Mogadishu, explaining how Ugandan mine experts would detonate the explosives seized.

The Ugandan troops have been confined to their bases of the capital's international airport, seaport and former Egyptian embassy at kilometer Four junction since four of their comrades were killed in a roadside bomb explosion last month.

Soon after the AMISOM officer finished discussion, detonations began. Journalists were told to go as far as they could.

"We could see the smoke and dust rising in the sky. My fellow journalists fled taking cover after the loud sounds of the explosions went unbearable," Tahte Shabelle photographer said.

Arms seized

Caches of various types of arms were seized on Friday after Joint weapons search operations by Ethiopian and Somali forces were carried out. The troops also raided a Somali MP's house, seizing small arms, missiles and landmines, according to government officials.

Osman Ali Atto, a Somali parliamentarian and former warlord, told Shabelle that a large sum of cash was stolen during the operation, accusing the Ethiopians of taking gold, money and cell phones.

"It is true that Ethiopian troops found weapons in my house during their search but they also stole $369,000 (USD), four thousands Emirates Dirham, my wife's gold jewelries, expensive watches of mine and satellite phones and they tore all my bags" said Atto in his interview with Shabelle Radio last night.

He said the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia was against the wishes of the Somali people.

Source: Shabelle Media Network