Somalis flee warlord stronghold

Scores of Somali residents fled the warlord stronghold of Jowhar yesterday fearing a bloody offensive for control of the town by Islamic militia who took Mogadishu two days ago.

Gunmen loyal to sharia courts seized the capital on Monday from a self-styled anti-terrorism coalition of warlords, widely believed to be backed by Washington. Their victory came after fierce fighting that had killed 350 people since February.

Locals said the warlords were preparing to defend their last redoubt of Jowhar, 90 kilometres north of the capital, including an advance line outside the town.

"There are so many fighters and weapons in Jowhar but most of them have been taken to the Congo military camp five kilometres away," Abdi Warsame, a farmer, said by telephone.

Fighters loyal to Jowhar warlord Mohamed Dheere had been reinforced by allies defeated in Mogadishu and the strategic town of Balad, on the road north, which fell on Sunday.

"Some people have started fleeing Jowhar for fear of the fighting," Mr Warsame said. "Most people are saying they have no option but to support whoever takes over Jowhar." He said some warlord militia were leaving for Mogadishu after not being paid.

Islamic militiamen said their men, camped south of Jowhar, have been ordered to prevent planes from landing on the town's airstrip to block any escape by the warlords.

Analysts say if the Islamic militia capture Jowhar, they will control most of the south of Somalia, raising questions about whether they will help install a weak interim government in the capital or set up a rival administration.

The government, too weak to enter Mogadishu, has been based in the provincial town of Baidoa since February.