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Comoros rebellion reportedly crushed
September 4, 1997
Web posted at: 11:47 a.m. EDT (1547 GMT)MORONI, Comoros (CNN) -- The Comoros government claimed on Thursday its forces had recaptured all strategic points on secessionist Anjouan island, including its main town Mutsamudu. However, witnesses and the French government said fighting was continuing.
Anjouan, the second largest island in the Comoros group off southeastern Africa, declared independence on August 3 after months of protest, civil unrest and clashes with security forces that led to several deaths. Moheli, the smallest island followed suit.
Secessionists want a return to French rule or independence from the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros.
"The Comorian forces have captured the strategic points of Anjouan and the regional capital Mutsamudu as well as the symbols of the state including the presidential residence," said a statement issued by President Mohamed Taki's office.
There was no independent confirmation of the claim after witnesses earlier reported heavy fighting. Government forces met fierce resistance when fighting started early on Thursday morning at Mirontsy, three kilometers (two miles) east of Mutsamudu, and spread into the town itself, said witnesses contacted by radio.
The Island Frigate, one of two commercial ships requisitioned for the invasion, was hit in the assault, eyewitnesses said. They gave no details.
Taki's government launched an assault on Anjouan island early on Wednesday to crush a secessionist revolt. The troops attacked the town of Domoni and the airport at Ouani seven kilometers (four miles) east of Mutsamudu before moving towards the capital, witnesses said.
In a separate statement the Comoros foreign ministry said the operation had been carried out "without bloodshed."
But two wounded government soldiers were brought back by air to the main Grande Comore island on Thursday morning, eyewitnesses at the airport said. A senior aid official in contact with Anjouan earlier reported many were wounded and some killed in the fighting.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related story:
- Comoros troops invade breakaway island of Anjouan - September 3, 1997
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