His decision to renounce the bloody insurgency and try to establish peace in Somalia has put him at odds with Islamist hard-liners who are still battling for control of Somalia . Troops ` ` overran a stiff resistance '' from Islamist militants , spokesman says . But residents still report heavy fighting between Al Shabaab , pro - government forces . Russia backs Somalia 's weak government , fears it could fall to al Qaeda - linked forces . U.S. officials warn that Somalia could be haven for al Qaeda operatives .
Troops ` ` overran a stiff resistance '' from Islamist militants , spokesman says . But residents still report heavy fighting between Al Shabaab , pro - government forces . Russia backs Somalia 's weak government , fears it could fall to al Qaeda - linked forces . U.S. officials warn that Somalia could be haven for al Qaeda operatives .