Somalia: Some Specifics on US Proxy Intervention

Here are some quotes regarding the US proxy intervention in Somalia post 9/11.

"The US viewed the Islamists' rise with alarm, fearing the emergence of a Taliban-style haven for al-Qa'ida and other Islamist extremists. Its fears were stoked by jihadist elements in the courts and credible reports that they were harbouring known al-Qa'ida operatives. It responded by cobbling together a coalition of Somali warlords, funded by the CIA. But the alliance was short-lived and its collapse at the hands of the courts only increased the latter's legitimacy."
-Grono, Nick. "Somalia: Nation on the Cusp of Chaos or Resurrection." 8 January 2007. The Australian.

"It’s a well-established fact for the last few years that U.S. counterterrorism officials and other intelligence officials have been working through Somali partners to fight extremists. From the little we know, the U.S. is not supporting the warlords with arms, per se. Instead American operatives were paying the warlords to help track down and apprehend those in Somalia suspected of being members of Al Qaeda."
-Suliman Baldo, director for Africa policy at the International Crisis Group


"The full deployment of AMISOM (African Union mission to Somalia) will facilitate a more rapid departure of Ethiopian forces from Somalia. To achieve this objective, the United States is providing technical assistance and funding, approximately $19.6 million, to support the deployment of AMISOM, enabling the mission to provide security to the TFIs and allow the peace process to move forward with the visible support of the international community."
-James Swan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs US State Dept.: 21 April 2007