US actions in Somalia

Just a quick mention. Following reports a week ago that the US military is aiding and supporting Somali warlords in what was called a "self-styled anti-terrorism coalition in Mogadishu, comprising most of the capital's powerful warlords," there has been more violence.

MOGADISHU (Reuters) - The latest flare-up in fighting between Islamic militia and a self-styled "anti-terrorism" alliance of warlords in Somalia's capital Mogadishu has killed at least 35 people, sources on both sides said on Tuesday.

Fighting, which many believe is being fueled by U.S. support for the warlords, continued for a third day on Tuesday in the run-down Siisii area of the lawless coastal city.

Just kind of a heads up, I guess. It echoes so many other US semi-covert foreign operations.

The violence is a setback to plans by an interim Somali government -- the 14th attempt to restore central rule in 15 years -- to move from its provincial base Baidoa to the capital.

It is also impeding relief efforts in a nation where nearly 2 million people rely on emergency food aid. Around Mogadishu, thousands of internal refugees live in squalor in the war-scarred shells of former government buildings.....

The alliance has denied receiving U.S. funding. U.S. officials have mainly avoided comment.

Western and African diplomats believe the United States is involved, but had different views on which side would emerge victorious in the battle to control Mogadishu.

"It's the Americans who are behind all this, it's known everywhere even if they continue denying," said an African diplomat involved with peace efforts in Somalia. "I see the coalition losing this battle because they lack public support."