HUMAN BAIT FOR THE MULLAH.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12256, 5 June 1914, Page 8

HUMAN BAIT FOR THE MULLAH.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN SACRIFICED TO WIN A BATTLE. TERRIBLE AMBUSH.

■ ,<By Ala©-Ostler.)

"■•*' -V Bombay, April 28. '■■ I. have just received from Aden confirmation of a severe defeat inflicted oil the raiders of the Mullah of Somajiland by the• Habr Yunis and Ogaden tribes. Before leaving Aden many Somalis gave me a report of this battle, but it seemed, incredible, and for that reason I did not cable it. The confirmation which I have now received places it beyond doubt. The story is one of the must remarkable in warfare. The Mullah sent a large force to the Haud Plateau to seize the camels of the Habr Yu'nis. Word of this crime to the ears of.-the tribe, who to inflict -a telling defeat on their relentless enemy' laid a trap-which will send a shudder'through English readers. They sacrificed their women iind children to -destroy the raiders.

First they sent emissaries to the Ogaden tribe to enlist their help. Then they left their women and children and camels unprotected to lure into a sense of security the followers of the Mullah. They allowed the raiders to massacre the women and children, and then they ambushed them while they were driving off the' camels.

The friendlies claim that thev wiped out the Mullah's force, killing 2.000 of them. That figure is probably exaggerated, but it is not to be doubted that the Mullah has sustained a serious reverse.