The U.N. Security Council has rejected proposals on imposing sanctions and tighter arms embargo on Somalia despite escalating violence in the chaotic nation.

The recommendations came from one of the council's own committees, which said that warlords in Somalia often violated the current arms embargo and have become rich by selling fishing licenses and exporting charcoal.

The fighting has escalated steadily in the African country since Sunday, when the extremists, which have alleged ties to al-Qaida, and the warlords, linked to the U.S., took up strategic positions in Mogadishu, the Somali capital. At least 96 people have been killed in Mogadishu in the last four days.

Most victims have been civilians. Nearly 200 people have been wounded in the fighting, doctors said.

Islamic fundamentalists have portrayed themselves as an alternative capable of bringing order and peace, but they have not hesitated to use force.

Source: Xinhua