A suicide bombing in western Somalia killed at least 20 people Thursday, including National Security Minister Omar Hashi Aden. An extremist group with links to al-Qaida claimed responsibility.

The insurgent group al-Shabab is one of several trying to topple the U.N.-backed government for three years.

Somali pirates are increasing the frequency of their attacks and targeting larger ships, targeting oil supertankers and grain cargo vessels. Experts explain the rise in modern-day piracy.

The U.S. military led airstrikes against terrorism suspects in Somalia, killing a suspected al-Qaida leader. A panel of experts offer perspective on what the strike may mean for security in the region.

The Transitional Federal Government launched a security crackdown to disarm Mogadishu in April, but efforts to confiscate weapons have yet to bring peace or stability to the ravaged capital.