One of the main reasons behind Ethiopia's decision to enter Somalia in December was her desire to show its strength to Eritrea.

(9) Was Kenya right to enter Somalia?

The death toll was the highest in one day for United States forces since they entered Somalia.

The police said the men appeared to have entered Somalia without permission.

While the initial Bush administration justification for entering Somalia focused on "humanitarian assistance," realities on the ground helped drive ever growing requirements.

-- Develop means to counter or at least hinder the ability of extremists to enter and exit Somalia for illegal activities.

The order spread first among the Somalis of the Ogaden area of Ethiopia, who entered Somalia about 1880.

However, the Ethiopian government denied that its forces had entered Somalia.

Kenyan soldiers have also entered Somalia from the south to fight al-Shabab.

Residents also reported Ethiopian troops had entered Somalia over the weekend, potentially opening a third front against the insurgents.