MAD MULLAH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 21 February 1920, Page 5

MAD MULLAH

POWER COMPLETELY BROKEN SUCCESSFUL AERIAL OPERATIONS (By Electric Telegraph-—Copy right) (Reut»r> Telegrams.) (Roc. Peb. 21, 10 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 18. The Air Ministry, describing the air force unit which assisted to break the Mad Mullah’s power in Somaliland, mentioned that one aeroplane was fitted as an aerial ambulance for stretcher cases, with an attendant. The preliminary operations included the preparation of aerodromes , and advanced landing grounds. Aeroplanes from Berbera effectually began the campaign. They bombed the Mullah’s headquarters at Medishi, 200 miles distant, and Fort Jidati, on three successive days. The machines descended low and inflicted heavy casualties on the fleeing Dervishes, who scattered, after which the military continued according to plan. It is ascertained that the Mullah narrowly escaped bombing. His uncle wa« killed alongside him and the Mullah’s clothes were singed. The Air Force later twice located and dispersed the Mullah’s party. The Mullah, with only 70 horsemen, was last heard of escaping towards Italian territory. The Air Force operations reduced the Mullah from a strong power in the land to a fugitive. The problem which has exercised the minds of the ]iroteetorjite Government for 17 years at an expenditure of millions, has now been dealt with at a minimum cost. C:-V - - -—-:1s?