Somali government would welcome US air role in push

By William Maclean

LONDON (Reuters) - Somalia's government would welcome U.S. air support for an expected offensive aimed at retaking control of areas from al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels, President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed said on Tuesday.

Speaking on a visit to Britain, Sheikh Sharif added that international aid for reconstruction would be needed to secure any areas gained in the push, expected in coming weeks in a test of attempts to restore stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

The New York Times reported on March 5 U.S. forces could get involved by providing airstrikes and Special forces Operations if the offensive succeeded in dislodging al Qaeda fighters.

Asked to comment, Ahmed said: "If the U.S. government provides us with the air support, it will help the situation."

"If that is true, as written in the New York Times, then we would welcome it," he told a news conference through an interpreter.

It was not immediately clear whether Ahmed was referring to the possibility of air strikes or of supporting aerial surveillance. U.S. forces are believed to have conducted aerial reconnaissance of parts of Somalia for several years.

FOREIGN FIGHTERS "ROAMING"

Asked whether he also saw a role for U.S. ground forces in the push, Ahmed said: "I cannot answer that."