Ethiopian-Backed Somali Troops Advance on Islamists

Somali government troops backed by Ethiopian tanks are moving south from Mogadishu toward regions held by Islamist fighters.

The Islamists abandoned the capital Thursday, under pressure from the Ethiopian-backed force. From a new base in Kismayo Saturday, Islamist leader Sheik Sharif Ahmed vowed to continue fighting the interim government.

The International Red Cross says hundreds of people have been killed in recent fighting between the two sides.

Near the capital Saturday, Somali President Abdullah Yusuf met with local elders and said his administration is working to restore peace in the country.

Hundreds of people held new marches in Mogadishu Saturday to protest the presence of Ethiopian troops.

The United States has urged Somalia's interim government to seek a ceasefire with the Islamists and to open a political dialogue with all Somali factions.

The Islamists have declared a "holy war" on Ethiopia because of its support for the Somali interim government.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says his nation's troops will remain in Somalia a few more weeks to help stability efforts.

Somalia has not had an effective central government since 1991, when warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

By VOA News