Somali Islamist fighters take their positions during clashes with government in Mogadishu. The UN Security Council does not think conditions are yet right to send a peacekeeping force to Somalia but will step up support for African Union (AU) troops there, a senior Western envoy said on Saturday. Photo/ REUTERSIslamist Rebels Threatening Fragile Somali Government -- Washington Post
NAIROBI, May 17 -- A major offensive by Somalia's Islamist rebels is posing the most serious challenge yet to the country's latest central government, reviving longstanding concerns that the chaotic Horn of Africa nation could fall entirely to al-Qaeda-linked militants.
Ten days of heavy fighting across the bombed-out capital of Mogadishu and other areas has pitted the Islamist rebels -- now operating openly with hundreds of jihadists from the United States, Britain, Pakistan, Chechnya and other places -- against the fragile government of President Sharif Ahmed, a widely-respected moderate Islamist once vilified by U.S. officials but now regarded by Washington as Somalia's last, best hope.
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More News On The Civil War In Somalia
One group opts for peace but fighting continues in Somalia -- Sunday Nation
Somali Insurgents Capture Town Near Mogadishu -- Voice of America
Somali militants capture key town -- BBC
Islamic militants seize Somali city -- CNN
Residents: Islamic insurgents seize Somalia town -- AP
Eritrea denies Somali involvement -- BBC