Bristling with machine guns, a large convoy carrying tons of wheat rolled to a joyous reception here Sunday, symbolizing an iron-fisted finish to the looting of food. Seventy armed Marines stood vigil on 20 military vehicles that accompanied the 20 grain trucks during a grueling mile, seven-hour journey from Mogadishu. A helicopter gunship patrolled overhead as the slow-moving convoy dodged countless gigantic potholes and passed thousands of waving Somalis in villages and towns during the long journey to Baidoa.
It's been months since an overland convoy of relief has reached Baidoa, where officials estimated that people were dying daily in September. In November, marauders attacked 27 trucks headed here. Only two arrived. The success of Sunday's convoy was widely accepted as evidence that the raiders have been vanquished, at least for now.
American and French troops secured Baidoa on Tuesday and were reinforced by U. Army troops. Clan gunmen and bandit gangs also disappeared from the streets of Mogadishu after the Marines arrived Dec. But armed men have been easing back into the city. No American casualties were reported. The seizure of the southern city of Kismayu earlier Sunday reopened an important gateway for the shipment of food to the starving in this ravaged East African nation. Clan fighting and looting had kept the city's port closed for months.
With Cobra helicopter gunships whirling over Kismayu and FA Hornet fighter-bombers and A-6 Intruder attack planes streaking above, the first Marines splashed onto the beach in amphibious vehicles at a.
They were followed by 90 paratroopers of Belgium's 1st Airborne Battalion in U. Navy hovercraft, and transport helicopters that dropped some of the soldiers on the port's broad, concrete dock. Fred Peck, a Marine spokesman in Mogadishu. Somalis in the streets and on rooftops cheered and waved as the Marines sped by. Forewarned of the landing, many residents had painted signs saying "Welcome American Soldiers.
