TFG gears up for push with U.S. air power

The Western-backed Transitional Federal Government mustered several thousand troops, some reportedly trained in neighboring Kenya, for a major offensive against the Islamic al-Shebab militia allied with al-Qaida.

On its own, the shaky TFG, which controls a few blocks of the disputed capital Mogadishu around the much-shelled presidential palace and not much else, would have little real prospect of winning much ground from the battle-hardened militia fighters who have kept them penned up in the war-ruined city.

But this time the internationally recognized TFG may be in with a fighting chance. Washington has promised air support and teams of Special Forces.

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