Al-Shabab reverses Somali force gains, is working with Houthis in Somalia 

FILE - Armed al-Shabab fighters ride on pickup trucks just outside the Somali capital of Mogadishu, Dec. 8, 2008. Al-Shabab has reversed all Somali National Army gains made over the last two years, U.S. defense officials say.

Al-Shabab has reversed all Somali National Army gains made over the last two years and is now working with the Houthi militant group to expand its capabilities, according to senior U.S. defense officials.