BREAKING A MULLAH'S POWER.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15308, 23 February 1920, Page 5

BREAKING A MULLAH'S POWER.

WORK OF AIR FORCE

ECONOMICAL OPERATIONS.

(Reuters Telegrams.)

London,. Feb. 18. The Air Ministry, describing the work of 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 occupations included the preparation of aerodromes and advanced landing grounds. Aeroplanes from Berhera effectually began the campaign. They boxmbed the Mullah's headquarters at Medishj, 200 miles distant, and Fort Jidati, on three successive days. The machines descended to a low" level, and inflicted heavy casualties on the fleeing Dervishes, who scattered, after which the military operations continued according to plan.

It was ascertained that the Mullah narrowly escaped'being "bomlbed. Has uncle was 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 proteatorate Government for 17 years at an expenditure of millions, has now been dealt with at a minimum cost.