Pentagon officials are confident that the Marine and Army troops can make short work of any organized opposition by Somali clans.

The Isaaq constitute the largest Somali clan in most of Somaliland.

One source states this town is dominated by the jidle, a Somali clan.

Here the expelled Somali clans regrouped and launched a coordinated attack which brought them back to their settlements in the woreda.

The Pentagon does not expect the Somali clans to mount a determined resistance to the American force.

Afgooye is inhabited by numerous Somali clans, as well as some minority groups.

Ali is a member of the Sheekhaal, an ethnic Somali clan.

Yet, some Ogaden members have complained that other Somali clans are getting over-represented in the regional government.

Members of at least four rival Somali clans are represented every night at the club, patrons say.

At times the Somali clans seem to act like petulant children.