The Somali militant Islamist group Al-Shabab banned English and science lessons in schools in the southern town of Afmadow after schools refused to hand over students to fight in the militia, Al Arabiya reported Friday (March 5th). The town, close to the Kenyan border, was subsequently ordered to change the schools' curricula to an Islamic system, with one month to comply. The heavily armed fighters are seeking to topple the fragile government and impose a strict Islamic state. The group controls areas north and south of Mogadishu and operates Islamic courts that order lashes, amputations and executions.