Al Qaeda in Retreat

In Somalia, Al Qaeda backed forces are defeated by Federal Troops backed by Ethiopia. From Bill Roggio:

The Islamic Courts are in near-full retreat in central and southern Somalia after 8 days of fighting against the Ethiopian military and the Transitional Federal Government forces. Ethiopian and TFG forces have broke the cordon around western Biadoa, and have advanced as far west as Burhakaba after heavy fighting. "The [Islamic Courts] left battle wagons and large quantity of military supplies behind," according to a SomaliNet source inside the city. “Our fighters have retreated from Bur-Hakaba for military tactics,” said Sheik Mohamud Ibrahim Suley, and Islamic Courts spokesman. Reports indicate the Ethiopian and TFG force are advancing from Burhakaba, "backed by tanks and airplanes," to Johwar, a town about 60 miles north of Mogadishu.

One would hope the US Government is supporting this effort with supplies and arms. I know we have troops already stationed in Djibouti in anti-terrorist operations.

Update: This just in from Global Security: US Defends Ethiopian Action in Somalia, But Urges Restraint. Makes you wonder which side our State Deptartment is on!