Somali Islamist fighters ditch uniforms in chaotic Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Dec 28 (Reuters) Gunmen hid their uniforms, militias loyal to former warlords reappeared on the streets and residents cowered in fear today after Islamist leaders abandoned Somalia's capital to advancing government troops.

Mogadishu appeared to be sliding back into years of chaos as the Somalia Islamic Courts Council (SICC) fled their base in the face of government fighters backed by Ethiopian tanks and jets.

''We have been defeated. I have removed my uniform. Most of my comrades have also changed into civilian clothes,'' one former SICC fighter told Reuters in the frantic port city.

''Most of our leaders have fled. I am no longer an Islamic Courts' soldier.'' Gunfire and outbreaks of looting marked the end of months of relative stability that began when the Islamists chased US backed warlords from the city in June and imposed sharia, Islamic law.

''Uncertainty hangs in the air. My worst fear is the capital will succumb to its old anarchy,'' said resident Muktar Abdi.

''The government should come in now and take over,'' he said.

''This is the best chance they have before the city falls into the hands of the warlords again.'' GUNS FOR SALE Fearful of reprisals, Islamist fighters burned or ditched their uniforms, and a group of anti-Ethiopian rebels in the city to support the Islamists were said to have gone into hiding.

Of the few residents who left their homes, some in the city of city of 2 million people said they were ready to greet the Ethiopian and government troops nearing its outskirts.

Holding a flower and walking towards the city limits, resident Rukia Shekeye told Reuters she was overjoyed.

''Today God removed the so-called Islamic Courts who were using religion for their own personal gain,'' she said.

''I have decided to welcome the government troops. Hundreds are doing the same...This is a historic day.'' But others feared a return to widespread violence as militia loyal to the warlords resurfaced on the streets in their ''technicals'' -- pick-up trucks bristling with heavy weaponry.

''I plan to buy several machineguns for my own safety and to guard my business,'' said another resident, Abdi Hassan.

''I am sure gun prices will drop. People are bringing in guns they have looted for sale,'' he said. ''I saw a lady carrying a heavy machinegun on her shoulders. She brought it to sell.'' The Islamists were initially welcomed by residents weary of clan-based fighting and extortion at a myriad of checkpoints manned by rifle-toting warlord militiamen.

But the welcome grew cold in some quarters after they banned qat, a hugely popular narcotic leaf, and shut down makeshift cinemas showing Bollywood films and World Cup soccer.

Reuters PDM VV1741