Somalia TFG Leader Rejects Direct U.S. Military Intervention

The leader of al-Shabab Sheik Mukhtar Robow Ali (Abu Mansur). The group stated that fighting in the Bakol region resulted in victory for the resistance movement. They are calling for the removal of AU forces from Mogadishu.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos

Somalia president rejects direct American military intervention

Mar 21, 2010 - 9:04:46 AM

Somalia's interim president Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed says he does not welcome direct military intervention from the US to support his fragile government in overcoming the powerful insurgents

"We are requesting the US not engage in direct military in Somalia but provide us with support in rebuilding the forces and weapons,"said Sheikh Sharif who added that he would not allow foreign country to directly intervene in his country.

Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, President of TFG of Somalia
"Our forces have prepared well and can do the job of flushing terrorist out the country and that is why we are requesting non military interference," President Ahmed said.

He said the African Union troops are in the country as part of peace efforts which his government welcomes.

Ahmed's comments come after senior US security officials announced that Washington is ready to provide air support in the war against the powerful insurgents in the restive capital Mogadishu.

Senior U.S. military commander in the region, William Ward told a Senate hearing on Somalia that the war against the insurgents is "something that we would look to do in support."

GAROWE ONLINE