Islamic 'terrorists' spark Somalia war fears

Fears of regional conflict has soared with the loss of a strategic port to Somalia’s radical Islamic militia, which faced angry demonstrations that erupted into deadly violence, and for the first time acknowledged getting help from foreign Muslims.

Ethiopian forces, meanwhile, have arrived to support the internationally recognised government in its face-off with the radicals. Witnesses saw about 300 Ethiopians in a convoy of 50 armoured trucks in Bardaale, 60 kilometres (40 miles) west of Baidoa, the only town held by the weak government. Islamic forces believe Ethiopian troops aim to cut off their route between Kismayo and Mogadishu.