US Says Somali Government Confident in Battle Against Islamists,US alarmed at Eritrea 'arms link'

Jonnie Carson

The new top U.S. diplomat to Africa says Somalia's government is confident it can defend itself against Islamist militia who are battling for control of the capital.more..http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-05-16-voa1.cfm

There are increasing fears that the militant Islamist group, al-Shabaab is being assisted by al-Qaeda and foreign mercenaries.
On the line to Washington, Martin Plaut asked President Obama's top Africa official, Jonnie Carson, what were they alleging about foreign fighters in Somalia

bbc..http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/2009/05/090516_somalia-us.shtml

US alarmed at Eritrea 'arms link'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8053078.stm

Eritrea denies weapons supply claims

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/17/2572654.htm?section=justin