SOMALIA: Suspected terrorists from Britain, Canada, Pakistan and elsewhere have been among those taken prisoner or injured in the military operations in Somalia, Ethiopia's prime minister said today.

Meles Zenawi said he did not know the exact number of prisoners in Somalia "because it changes constantly" and added: "But many international terrorists are dead in Somalia."

Ethiopia forces invaded Somalia last month to prevent an Islamic movement from ousting the weak, internationally recognised government from its lone stronghold in the west of the country.

The US and Ethiopia accuse the Islamic group of harbouring al Qaida suspects.

America yesterday launched at least two air strikes on different locations against terror targets in Somalia.

It was the first overt military action by the US in Somalia since the 1990s.