US accused of covert operations in Somalia

[spindrifter]

Antony Barnett and Patrick Smith
Sunday September 10, 2006
The Observer


Dramatic evidence that America is involved in illegal mercenary operations in east Africa has emerged in a string of confidential emails seen by The Observer. The leaked communications between US private military companies suggest the CIA had knowledge of the plans to run covert military operations inside Somalia - against UN rulings - and they hint at involvement of British security firms.

The emails, dated June this year, reveal how US firms have been planning undercover missions in support of President Abdullahi Yusuf's transitional federal government - founded with UN backing in 2004 - against the Supreme Islamic Courts Council - a radical Muslim militia which took control of Mogadishu, the country's capital, also in June promising national unity under Sharia law.

Evidence of foreign involvement in the conflict would not only breach the UN arms embargo but could destabilise the entire region.

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Ballarin claimed she has been given 'carte blanche' to use three bases in Somalia 'and the air access to reach them'.

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http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,1868920,00.html

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Select Armor is pretty interesting--a woman-owned firm that uses the subheading "for a Brutal World." It teams with ATS Worldwide, another security firm that offers training for "rural sniper", "hostage avoidance and survival" and a host of other topics that you might not want to participate in.