Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
U.S. gives Somalia about 40 tons of weapons
| International
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
International
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Entertainment
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
U.S. gives Somalia about 40 tons of weapons
Fri Jun 26, 2009 8:37pm EDT
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government has provided about 40 tons of weapons and ammunition to Somalia's embattled government in the past six weeks to help it fight Islamist insurgents, a senior U.S. official said on Friday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States spent less than $10 million on what he described as small arms and ammunition as well as on payments to other nations to train Somali government forces.
While the State Department confirmed on Thursday that it was providing weaponry to the government, it had not previously provided details on the type, cost or amount.
The senior State Department official told reporters the United States began providing the arms soon after Somalia's al Shabaab insurgents began a major offensive against the fragile transitional federal government (TFG) in early May.
Al Shabaab, which is seen as a proxy for al Qaeda, controls most of south Somalia and all but a few blocks of the capital Mogadishu. The official said Washington feared that it could destabilize the region and turn Somalia into a safe haven for foreign Islamists and "global terrorists."
"We've shipped probably in the neighborhood of 40 tonnes worth of arms and munitions into Somalia," the official said. "We remain concerned about the prospects of an al Shabaab victory, and we want to do as much as we can to help the TFG."
The United States funded the purchase of arms for the Somali government and also asked the Ugandan and Burundian troops in the country to give the government weapons and then reimbursed them, the official said.
He said the United States also set aside money to pay the Ugandan and Burundian units to train government forces rather than having U.S. troops conduct the training.
When a moderate Islamist was elected president in January, there was hope he could end nearly two decades of bloodshed in Somalia by reconciling with hardliners who want to impose a strict version of Islamic law across the country.
But al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden declared Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed an enemy in an audiotape released in March, calling on the insurgents to topple the government and for Muslims around the world to join their fight.
The U.S. official said he had heard estimates of between 200 and 400 foreign fighters in Somalia but that his personal view was that the figure probably was less than 200.
(Reporting by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Will Dunham)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
Yahoo!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
Ethnic tensions spark brawl at China factory: report
Also On Reuters
Mounting jobless claims force states to borrow
Google's China rift hints at challenges ahead
Full Coverage: Remembering Michael Jackson
More International News
Iran election violence "outrageous," says Obama
| Video
Brazil calls off search for Air France victims
Ethnic tensions spark brawl at China factory: report
Drug gang shootout kills 12 in Mexico
Nearly completed high-rise collapses in Shanghai
More International News...
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
Ruth Madoff forfeits asset claims, left with $2.5 million
Michael Jackson death still unsolved after autopsy | Video
Q+A: How painkillers could cause cardiac arrest
Michael Jackson's death sparks Florida bus brawl
Michael Jackson death still unsolved after autopsy | Video
Michael Jackson leaves hefty debts
Michael Jackson feared he'd "end up" like Elvis: Lisa Marie
UPDATE 2-Obama, Merkel show united front at U.S. meeting
Iran election violence "outrageous," says Obama | Video
U.S. denied Iran official visa for U.N. meeting: envoy
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
Jackson's musical legacy
Jackson cause of death awaits tests
Jackson 911 call
Fans gather at Jackson's star
Obama, Merkel air differences
Jackson Inc.
Retail price cuts get deeper
Jackson's body at coroner
Ukraine's first condom machine
Michael Jackson's legacy to music
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
We want to hear from you
Join the Reuters Consumer Insight Panel and help us get to know you better
Please take a moment to complete our survey
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Labs |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Saturday, 27 June 2009 Iranian cleric: Some in unrest should be executed
France 'to sell stake in Areva nuclear group'
Solar Impulse: The world's first solar-powered plane
Lebanon's Hariri set to become prime minister
Too much time online strains Irish marriages: counsellors
China's Mount Wutai, Italy's Dolomites join World Heritage List
Baghdad market bombing kills 13
US consumer spending ticks up amid income jump
Drug gang shootout kills 12 in Mexico
| International
|
Bomb kills 13 in latest Baghdad bombing
Sunday's BET Awards To Honor Michael Jackson
Oil prices hit reverse as Wall Street slips
Israel plays down reports of imminent Gaza deal
Nigeria militants want amnesty talks with president
| International
|
Radio Stations Around The World Play Michael Jackson's Songs
Wadden Sea, Dolomites are new World Heritage sites
Networks To Air Michael Jackson Tributes
Turkey's military says plot report is smear campaign
Ebony Magazine Reveals Michael Jackson's Last Interview And Photoshoot
Web awash in tributes to slain Iranian protester
Police Seize Material From Michael Jackson's House
Jackson Coverage Causes Twitter Users To "Unfollow" Perez
Michael Jackson Song Sales Surge Following Death
Gloria Estefan And Husband Named Minority Owners Of Miami Dolphins
Update: Michael Jackson Given Clean Bill Of Health For London Shows
Jeff Goldblum Death Reports "Completely Untrue"
Obama: US lags behind Europe on climate change
China lauds US climate bill but more action needed
EU: we want US climate bill to succeed
PC brands lobby while preparing for China software filter
| Technology
|
Google CEO says worst of crisis is over
| Technology
|
US wants to delay release of CIA report
Amnesty calls for monarchy insult trial to be open
AP INTERVIEW: SC 1st lady says shocked by trip
India's Tata Motors posts full-year loss
Duke Univ official charged in child sex case
Woman who punched flight attendant back in court
Opposition welcomes UN envoy's arrival in Myanmar
Restoration work planned at Harding's tomb in Ohio
IBM loses injunction against Dell executive
| Technology
|
SC gov tells agency chiefs sorry, get to work
Treasury sets purchase process for bank warrants
Japanese police up reward in slain Briton's case
Obama: US lags behind Europe on climate change
Storm leaves 11 dead, 7 missing in Philippines
Obama doesn't take apology demand seriously
Former K.Rouge foreign minister denied release
Obama: Talks ongoing with Germany on closing Gitmo
Taiwan official's wife sues mag for China claim
Nina Wang's alleged lover: Video proves our love
Officials: UN envoy arrives in Myanmar
Tata Motors says more Jaguar, Land Rover job cuts possible
Taiwan's economy contraction slows in May
SKorea police move in to end Ssangyong plant clashes
Tata Motors suffers loss of $521.8 million
Agency slaps Citibank Japan with sales suspension
Vietnam economy picks up pace, grows 4.5 pct in 2Q
Citibank Japan hit with one-month suspension
Report: China likely to reject Hummer acquisition
Sumitomo Trust near deal on Citigroup Japan unit
Michael Jackson feared he'd end up like Elvis: Lisa Marie
| Entertainment
|
Jackson leaves hefty debts, unrealized comeback
| Entertainment
|
Police tow car, seek clues in Jackson death
Master mime Marceau helped inspire Jackson moonwalk
Leaders, superstars, fans mourn King of Pop
Hard Rock plans Europe's biggest casino in Hungary
Ireland to give legal recognition to same-sex couples
Most Japanese children have experienced bullying: official report
Philippine jailbirds reprise Jackson YouTube tribute: TV
Police release 911 audio, end probe of Gans death
Michael Jackson, King of Pop, reigned in TV land
Obama's Marines in position for Afghan offensive
Brazil ends search for bodies, debris from Air France jet
US-TECH Summary
U.S. lets some diplomat family members back in Saudi
13 killed in Baghdad market bombing
Brazil calls off search for Air France victims
| International
|
Conference on return of Jewish assets starts in Prague
Sony eyes cellphone/game gear hybrid
Motorcycle bombs kill 20 in Baghdad attacks
Sarkozy offers autonomy vote for Martinique
U.S. gives Somalia about 40 tons of weapons
| International
|
Michael Jackson death a landmark event for Web
Ethnic tensions spark brawl at China factory: report
| International
|
G8 calls on Iran to halt election violence
Nortel creditors file objections to unit's sale
Google News mistakes Jackson queries for attack
Jackson, Fawcett deaths exploited for Web scams
Iran: new audience for US scholar's protest guide
Election watchdog sets up panel, insists Iran vote clean
PC brands lobby while preparing for China software filter
US House passes historic climate change bill
Lula signs land law aimed at reforming Amazon
| International
|
American's how-to guide to toppling dictatorships
GE to open advanced tech center in Michigan
House Democrats win key test vote on climate bill
Swiss team unveil pioneering solar plane
Bomb kills 13 in latest Baghdad bombing
Sony eyes cellphone/game gear hybrid
Sri Lanka accuses IMF of playing politics
White House denies indefinite detention order
Italy rugby trial for struggling All Blacks
Controller: IOUs signal Calif fiscal mismanagement
French rugby chase greatness against Wallabies
This could be my last Wimbledon, says Sugiyama
Regulators shut 4 banks; 44 failures this year
India and Pakistan ministers discuss anti-terrorism fight
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 639
Michael Jackson had loyal, generous fans in Japan
Sony eyes cellphone/game gear hybrid
Chinese censorship of Internet 'unacceptable': EU
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,318
Japanese fans, politicians mourn 'King of Pop'
SKorea to set up intl peacekeeping force: military
U.S. gives Somalia about 40 tons of arms, ammunition
IBM loses injunction against Dell executive
| Technology
|
911 Call Details State Of Michael Jackson At Time Of Death
House passes major energy-climate bill
Va. governor and DNC chief denies GOP travel query
Nortel creditors file objections to unit's sale
| Technology
|
"Jena 6" Case Ends With No Contest Pleas
June 26 Highlights Of Low Points In The U.S. Economy
Update: Jackson Autopsy Starts As Police Probe Focuses On Singer's Doc
National Hurricane Center Tracking Tropical Wave Moving Across Caribbean Toward Yucatan Peninsula
Hartford Financials Receives $3.4 Billion In TARP Funds
A Detroit City Councilor, Conyer's Wife Pleads Guilty To Taking Bribes
U.S. Marshals Seize Drugs From Caraco Plants In Michigan
Police Seize Material From Michael Jackson's House
Update: Historic Energy Bill Clears Hurdle With Initial House Vote
Sri Lanka accuses IMF of playing politics
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Michael Jackson death still unsolved after autopsy
| Entertainment
|
Farrah Fawcett funeral set for Tuesday in L.A
Farrah Fawcett funeral set for Tuesday in L.A
| Entertainment
|
Rapper Coolio pleads guilty to cocaine possession
| Entertainment
|
Jackson verdict 'weeks away' as drug rumors swirl
Men at Work accused of plagiarizing kids' song
Ind. mayor has big hopes for Jackson boyhood home
Jackson death was twittered, texted and Facebooked
Tears and tributes for the flawed 'genius' of pop
Perez Hilton risks backlash for Jackson post
Iran bans Mousavi ally from leaving the country
| International
|
U.S. reverses Afghan drug policy
| International
|
Japan's Elpida to receive $2.1 bln in aid
Canadian software helps Iranian dissidents connect
Karzai urges Taliban to vote in landmark election
Lebanon president asks Hariri to form new cabinet
| International
|
Pakistan bombs Taliban in Waziristan, 5 shot in Karachi
| International
|
US prosecutors seek 150 year jail term for Madoff
Iraq PM says forces can handle security without U.S.
| International
|
Obama urges US Senate to pass clean energy bill
Iraq PM says forces can handle security without U.S.
NATO-Russia in talks to rebuild post-Georgia ties
| International
|
US House passes historic climate change bill
Northern Ireland's paramilitaries dump arsenal
| International
|
Jackson feared dying like Elvis: Lisa Marie Presley
Israeli soldiers scuffle with activists in West Bank
| International
|
Afghan leader criticises US ambassador
Thailand's red shirts rally again in Bangkok
| International
|
Israeli soldiers scuffle with activists in WBank
Turkey passes law limiting military courts
| International
|
Iran summons Swedish envoy after attack on mission
After House passage, climate bill faces more heat
Questions and answers about the US climate bill
Obama, Brown speak on climate change, economy
China lauds US climate bill but more action needed
Nine wounded in southern Philippine bomb attack
Nearly completed high-rise collapses in Shanghai
Three killed in gunfight in Thai south
Uehara doubtful for scheduled Orioles start Sunday
The Nation's weather
Twelve Taliban killed in NW Pakistan: officials
Vietnam asks China to free boat, fishermen
Tourists flock to jail for Jackson tribute
Australia reports fifth swine flu-related death
Obama Calls On Senate To Pass Climate Change Bill After Surviving Narrow Passage In House
Person close to Jacksons: Will, AEG role unclear
Ahmadinejad Again Condemns Obama For Meddling In Iran's Affairs
AP NewsAlert
AP sources: Indefinite prison time for detainees?
No Foul Play In Michael Jackson's Death; Body Released To Family
Ethnic tensions spark brawl at China factory
NTSB Updates Metro Investigation; Operator Called 'Hero'
Baseball got free pass from antitrust laws in 1922
NFL asks high court to weigh in on antitrust case
Japan, South Korea agree to tighter economic ties
Japan's Elpida to receive $2.1 bln in aid: report
Hello Goodbye: Jackson's Beatles rights at risk
Jackson was energetic, upbeat ahead of London tour
Hello Goodbye: Jackson's Beatles rights at risk
| Entertainment
|
Fashion to film, Prada Transformer shifts in Seoul
Capsule reviews: `Ice Age' and other films
Review: `Public Enemies' dazzles the eye but drags
Review: `Ice Age' is `yawn of the dinosaurs' tale
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights