The militia controls two-thirds of the Christian enclave, including its two main ports, Beirut and Junieh.

At this point the militia controlled the fort, which gave them control over the harbor.

The militia controls the entire area, only allowing people who pay their taxes.

The militias control several northern states, including major drug trafficking routes.

The militia, the Popular Liberation Army, controls Sidon.

The new national security minister is Mohammed Qanyare, whose 2,000-man militia controls a chunk of Mogadishu, the capital.

Mr. Aidid's militia controls a southern slice of the city.

But as late as 7 p.m. on Friday night, Mr. Sadr's militia still controlled its main entrance.

He said the warlord's militia controlled less than a square mile of the city.

It is thought that Kurdish militias now control at least four main towns and cities in northern Syria.