BBC News | September 11: One year on

Somalia is an example of a “failed state” which is regarded as a breeding ground and safe haven for extremism and at one stage during the year after 11 September there was talk that al-Qaeda remnants might take refuge there and that the United States might take military action against suspect groups.

Warships from the American coalition patrolled the coastline to prevent any infiltration. There has been no proper central government and a Transitional National Government set up in October 2000 has been struggling to assert its authority ever since. One group, al-Ittihad al-Islamiya, has called for an Islamic state.