Somalia wages war against al-Shabaab

The United Nations is concerned that Somali efforts to take on al-Shabaab insurgents could trigger an escalation of the crisis in the war-torn country. The U.N.-backed African Union Mission in Somalia is supporting Somalia forces in an operation aimed at taking on al-Shabaab forces in Afgooye, a southern coastal city identified as a stronghold for the militant group. Mark Bowden, U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, said there were no reports of major humanitarian issues such as displacement associated with the operation. "However, I remain concerned that an escalation of hostilities or a prolonged operation could lead to displacement, further straining the capacity of settlements and host communities in Mogadishu or driving people away from the life-saving help they require," he said in a statement. The interim government in Somalia is preparing to end its formal transition period in August. There hasn't been a functioning central government in Somalia since the 1990s. The Somali government has managed to extend its authority beyond Mogadishu by beating back al-Shabaab with the help of African forces. Interim authorities haven't approved a new constitution, selected a new Parliament or chosen new heads of state, however.