The militant Islamist group known as al-Shabab is deepening control over much of south and central Somalia and parts of the country's capital Mogadishu, posing greater threats to the U.S.-backed government in Somalia and the United States itself.

Frank Langfitt, NPR's East Africa correspondent, recently reported from Somalia and described his findings.

Somalia has suffered from nearly two decades of civil war, piracy and now fighting between government forces and an Islamist rebel group called al-Shabab.

Secretary of State Clinton spent the second day of her African tour expressing support for the fragile transitional government in Somalia as it struggles to combat extremist groups linked to al-Qaida.

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.