US backing warlords in Somalia

I've been tracking this story in the background. (1, 2) There are allegations that the US is backing a "self-styled anti-terrorism coalition in Mogadishu, comprising most of the capital's powerful warlords."

The AP is reporting that 122 have died over the last five days, "26 people killed since nightfall Wednesday. Most of the victims have been civilians caught in the crossfire."

AFP is reporting thousands of refugees driven from their homes and that UN experts now believe the Islamic alliance(the non-US backed side) controls 80% of Mogadishu.

BBC - "The US has not confirmed or denied the reports.... A report by a UN committee on Wednesday warned that an unnamed country is flouting the arms embargo on Somalia."

This appears to be an attempt at an Afghanistan-style effort in Somalia, backing warlords against Muslims trying to impose Sharia law.