United Nations food convoys had been hijacked in the same area last week.

Most private aid groups stopped sending food convoys, although the deliveries are slowly resuming now.

But it hopes its contribution will form part of an international force protecting food convoys.

His forces and other Mujahideen were also reported to have prevented food convoys from reaching the city.

That is, food convoys were ordered to Philadelphia and "broke down" before they got there.

"I know, because the food convoys that supply them pass through my territory."

Rebels have fired on food convoys, but relief workers say they will accept the risks.

Death rates dropped as food convoys were able to reach all corners of southern Somalia.

Many of the agencies say that while a military emphasis on food convoys is a necessary first step, other actions have to be taken almost simultaneously.

Bosnian Serbs often shelled the town and barred food convoys.