US beefs up aid to Somalia to foil rebels

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say the Obama administration has decided to bolster efforts to support Somalia’s embattled government. That includes providing money for weapons and helping the military in neighboring Djibouti train Somali forces.

An administration review of U.S. policy toward Somalia found an urgent need to supply the Somali government with ammunition and weapons as it struggles to confront increasingly powerful Islamic militants in the Horn of Africa.

Officials said the U.S. would not conduct the training and that the U.S. military would not be in Somalia. The U.S. would provide logistical support for the training, and provide arms to the Somalis.

Several U.S. officials spoke about the emerging plan on condition of anonymity because the details have not yet been finalized.