As the shells began to rain down, residents said that clan militias within Kismayo turned on the Islamists.

The Insurgents agreed not to attack Kismayo a city ruled by clan militia who took part in the Ethiopian invasion.

The clan militias instantly returned to their old ways, setting up checkpoints and shaking down residents.

Somali regions have been getting more and more disconnected from the nation's capital ever since the last central government was overthrown by armed clan militias.

Most of the insurgents are thought to be from clan militias who accuse the government of doing little to promote reconciliation.

He asked Mogadishu's various clan militias to turn in their weapons or face the consequences.

Troops searched several towns and villages, including Buuhoodle, for local clan militia supporting Puntland.

In the Middle Shabelle region clan militias clashed.

As a result, gunbattles have been reported between Islamists and local clan militias.

Progress was slow - two civil wars were fought since then - but over time the clan militias disarmed.