The number of African Union troops serving in Somalia is to be increased by almost 6000.
The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to raise the troop strength from 12,000 to 17,731.
The BBC reports this number includes Kenyan troops that entered the country last October in pursuit of al-Shabab fighters.
Diplomats said other troops are expected to be brought in from Djibouti.
The resolution also gave the African force a stronger mandate to attack al-Shabab.
It will substantially increase international funding for military operations there.
