Islamists seize seaport
2006-09-24 20:32
Kismayo, Somalia - Hundreds of Islamic militiamen in heavily armed trucks took over the town of Kismayo, one of the last seaports outside their control in Somalia, witnesses said on Sunday.
"The Islamic courts have entered Kismayo," said resident Abdi Gashan, adding that the warlords who previously ruled the area had fled.
"We welcome the Islamic courts."
The peaceful takeover prompted the previous leadership, known as the Juba Valley Alliance, to leave the area.
It was yet another blow to the country's virtually powerless official government - Somalia's defence minister, Col Barre "Hirale" Aden Shire, is a leading member of the alliance.
Hirale's deputy, Yusuf Mire Mohamud, said earlier on Sunday that "the Juba Valley Alliance has collapsed today".
- AP