UN approves more troops in Somalia

The 15-member council - China is assuming the rotating presidency- adopted a resolution approving more than 4,000 troops for the AMISOM and logistic support from the UN to the Somali army.

With the adoption of the resolution the number of the UN troops will increase to over 22,000. 

UK sponsored the resolution. UK's Ambassador to the UN Mark Lyall Grant said  the AMISOM has played a huge role in weakening Somali militant group al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group.

“As recent attack showed, al-Shabaab continues to pose a threat, not just to Somalia but to the wider region,” said Grant. “Now was the right time for the Security Council to act.”

 Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack on a Kenyan mall in September that killed more than 60 people.