He said al-Shabaab is supported by more than 400 foreign fighters, and is funded by al-Qaida and certain foreign governments.

VOA: standard.2009.06.26

Al-Shabaab has taken over much of Mogadishu and southern Somalia, and is on a U.S.government list of international terrorist groups.

VOA: standard.2009.06.26

Dagne says highly de-centralized and mobile al-Shabaab forces threaten the Transitional Federal Government, and noted that African Union forces are constrained because they are not authorized to take offensive action.

VOA: standard.2009.06.26

Since then, African peacekeepers and international donors have redoubled their efforts to defeat al-Shabaab.

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Al-Shabaab claimed the French soldiers left behind combat gear and a wounded comrade before disengaging.

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" Al Shabaab has been driven from Mogadishu and every other major city in Somalia, " she said.

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