KHARTOUM<$> — The Horn of Africa slipped closer to war yesterday after intense efforts failed to revive peace talks between Somalia’s powerful Islamists and the interim government.“The international community needs to act fast and clearly to avoid a disastrous war that could turn the region into an Iraq-style situation,” a Western diplomat said.

“We should look for the tiniest shred of hope to avoid this prospect.”

The United States warned its citizens that Kenya and Ethiopia could become targets of suicide attacks by “extreme elements” from Somalia and urged them to be vigilant and use extreme caution when going to prominent public places.

Earlier yesterday, Somalia’s interim government rebuffed efforts to reorganise peace talks on November 15 after they failed this week in Khartoum.

The Islamists said they were ready for talks.