MUAMMAR GADDAFI’S regime reacted angrily to a NATO-led decision to provide funding to the three-month-old rebellion against his rule in Libya, describing as “piracy” plans to tap its assets frozen abroad.

Dozens of bodies were buried in a mass grave in Somalia’s capital after the worst fighting in 15 years killed hundreds of people and sent tens of thousands fleeing the battle-scarred city for safety.

The United States will provide $40m (€30.7m) to Somalia in political, humanitarian and peacekeeping assistance, the top US diplomat to Africa said today.