The Islamists fighting the transitional government in Somalia are moving ever closer to the last main position of government forces in the country – the town in which the politicians sit – Baidoa. Government troops are digging trenches around the town in preparation for a final showdown, according to eyewitnesses. While the United States has backed the transitional government, it has sent out a message to Ethiopia not to become embroiled in events in Somalia. Ethiopian forces have moved into the country in a bid to help defeat the Islamists. Washington also urged Eritrea not to fight on the side of the Islamists. The Bush Administration fears the fighting could spread through all of the Horn of Africa.