A monument erected by the Italian colonists, but later used as an execution post by the terrorist organization al-Shabab, stands on the beach just outside of Merca, Somalia, on 2 February. Located approximately 70km southwest of Mogadishu, Merca is an ancient port city that was established in the 5th century and was a popular holiday destination before civil war erupted in Somalia in 1991. AU-UN IST PHOTO / TOBIN JONES.