Fighting has intensified in Somalia, with reports of Ethiopian troops and aircraft attacking positions deep inside the country.

Ethiopia backs the weak government, which has lost control of much of Somalia to the Islamic militiamen.

Witnesses say Ethiopian fighters have bombarded the town of Beledweyne near the Ethiopian border.

Heavy fighting has also been reported near the government-held town of Baidoa as well as the capital, Mogadishu.

The Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) militia has vowed to drive out Ethiopian troops which it says are fighting alongside government forces.

On Saturday, the UIC - which controls most of the south, including the capital, Mogadishu - appealed for foreign fighters to join them in the battle with Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has not formally acknowledged sending troops to back Somalia's transitional government, but admits sending military trainers.

The UN estimates that at least 8,000 Ethiopian troops may be in the country, while rival Eritrea is said to have deployed some 2,000 troops in support of the Islamic group.

However, Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki denied his country had troops deployed in Somalia.

Photo Caption

A Somali government soldier on patrol in Baidoa