MOGADISHU, Somalia July 1 (Garowe Online) - Somalia's interim president has accused armed opposition groups fighting the government of using "child soldiers," Radio Garowe reports.

Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, president of the U.N.-backed interim government, said "terrorists" are using young kids in their violent campaign to topple the government.

"Terrorists spend effort to trick young children…Al Qaeda is involved in this," President Sheikh Sharif said.

Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam fighters have been fighting to overthrow President Sheikh Sharif's government, which enjoys support from Western powers.

Source: Garowe Online