Nairobi/Mogadishu, Jan 4 (DPA) Yemeni rebels are arming Islamist militants in their fight to take over Somalia, Somali Defence Minister Sheikh Yusuf Mohamed Siad Indha Adde told broadcaster Radio Garowe Monday.
Adde said two boatloads of light weapons, munitions for Kalashnikovs and hand grenades were sent “to further fuel the violence in Somalia”.

Witnesses have confirmed the arrival of the boats with weapons, while journalists were threatened against reporting on their arrival by members of the al-Shabaab militia.

Al-Shabaab members have made increasing gains against the weak central government in recent months, reportedly taking control of the central Somali city of Dhuusa Marreeb Monday.

Its leadership recently announced plans to send fighters to Yemen to help allies with Al Qaeda in its ongoing battle with that country’s government. The US has listed al-Shabaab as a terrorist organisation.