Intense violence broke out today between Ethiopian occupiers and Somali Islamists in Mogadishu today, proving once again that our buddies the Ethiopians aren’t wanted there, and that our vicious missile strikes haven’t deterred the insurgents.

Meanwhile, somewhat inconsistent reports are coming out about Ban Ki-Moon’s stance on sending in peacekeepers. Reuters (see link above) quotes him to the effect that sending in troops is not possible. IRIN emphasizes the opportunities presented by the current situation, but only mentions troop deployment as one option among several. But the BBC makes it seem as though the decision is more up for grabs:

The UN chief Ban Ki-moon says he is prepared to recommend sending some 27,000 peacekeepers to Somalia to replace the stretched African force.

But he said certain conditions had to be met including a ceasefire deal and the start of the withdrawal of troops from Ethiopia who back the government.

27,000, huh Ban? Now look, I want to see stability in Somalia too. But don’t you think you should be concentrating on finding the 17,000 peacekeepers the force in Darfur is waiting for, rather than hinting at new commitments? I have qualified support for the UN, but that doesn’t mean I can’t criticize the General Secretary when he says things that simply don’t make sense. In fact, I’m going to criticize the UN hardest when they fall flat on rhetoric, because rhetoric is the main tool in their arsenal at this point. So don’t even mention troop numbers you have no hope of getting.

In other Somalia-related news, the Danes are heroes.

Bristling with heavy machineguns and computerised grenade launchers, the HDMS Thetis with its crew of Danish marines is shepherding vital food aid through one of the world’s most dangerous waterways.

In the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia, pirates have attacked several vessels in recent months carrying relief supplies to the anarchic Horn of Africa country, holding the ships and their crews for ransom.

The United Nations has appealed for rich nations to help it get humanitarian aid to impoverished Somalis, and the militaries of France and Denmark have answered the call.

“This is the noblest mission I’ve ever been involved with and I’m ready to die,” said one Danish commando on board the MV Fade 1, a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship trailing the Thetis and carrying 5,300 tonnes of aid for the U.N. World Food Programme.

“This operation is better than those useless political battles,” said the soldier, clad in camouflage and toting an M16 assault rifle, a 9mm pistol strapped to his right thigh.

Badass.

(Cross-posted at The Seminal.)