Ceasefire in Somalia as fierce fighting ends

MOGADISHU, Mar 27 (Reuters) Relative calm returned today to Mogadishu after four days of the fiercest fighting in years, with militia linked to Islamic courts in firm control of a key port and airstrip.

Militia leaders said a ceasefire was in place while religious and traditional elders were meeting in the Somali capital to reconcile factions that started fighting on Wednesday, killing between 70 and 90 people.

The battle was between militiamen linked to the Islamic courts and fighters backed by the Mogadishu Anti-Terrorism Coalition, comprising most of the city's powerful warlords.

It was seen as part of a widening struggle for control of the capital between Islamists and influential warlords who many suspect have the backing of the United States as part of Washington's anti-terrorism fight.

A Reuters reporter who visited El Adde seaport and Isaley airport, formerly controlled by businessman Bashir Raghe, said militiamen linked to the Islamic courts now commanded security at both sites and along the road to El Maan seaport.

''Our forces are now in control, but we will not interfere with Raghe's businesses,'' militia leader Siyad Mohamed told Reuters.

Though there was a ceasefire and no shots fired since Sunday, Mohamed said his fighters were on standby.

About a dozen of Raghe's trucks, loaded with charcoal, and as many of his boats could be seen near El Adde seaport, alongside burned vehicles and shreds of bloodied clothing.

Hundreds fled the capital and many businesses closed during the fighting.

''We have seized Raghe's place and some technicals from him.

Still, I don't feel like a winner because I have lost lives and property,'' said Abdikadir Abukar Adan, the son of a businessman whose militia was backed by the Islamic courts.

Raghe is part of the Anti-Terrorism Coalition, an alliance set up to stem the influence of Islamic courts and fight militants. Raghe could not be reached for comment.

Many residents say the alliance is backed by the United States, which views Somalia as a haven for Islamic militants.

Almost within hours of the coalition's creation last month, its militia and those backed by the Islamic courts began fighting that killed 37 people.

The Islamic courts, funded by influential businessmen, are the only authority in parts of northern Mogadishu and mete out justice under sharia law.

Warlords have controlled the nation of 10 million since 1991, when militias deposed dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

Legislators from the country's interim government -- the 14th attempt to restore normal government in 15 years are meeting in the southern city of Baidoa to solve a rift that has left it unable to establish its authority for more than a year.

Reuters SY BD1910