A new report by the International Crisis Group is warning Kenya against getting bogged down in Somalia, where it is helping to fight al-Shabab Islamic militants.

The group says Kenya made a hasty decision to intervene militarily in Somalia without a clear plan or exit strategy. It warns Kenya that a prolonged operation in Somalia could spur armed resistance, terrorism and guerrilla war inside its own borders.

The Group's Horn of Africa director, E.J. Hogendoon, tells VOA that a lack of coordination among different Somali groups along with an over-confidence by the Kenyans have undermined Kenya's ability to fight al-Shabab.

Kenyan forces cross into Somalia last year in response to what Kenya said was cross-border raids and kidnappings by al-Shabab militants.

Al-Shabab is fighting to topple Somalia's U.N.-backed government and establish a strict Islamic state.

Somalia has been without a strong functioning government since 1991 when warlords toppled the administration.