Warlords flee as Islamic militia seizes Somalia's capital

An Islamic militia group said Monday it had seized control of the Somalia's capital of Mogadishu after weeks of fighting.

Members of the Islamic Courts Union were seen controlling the city and a statement from the group's leader was read on national radio, urging Somalis to accept the change in leadership.

"We want to restore peace and stability to Mogadishu. We are ready to meet and talk to anybody and any group for the interest of the people," said Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, the group's chairman.

Ahmed said his forces have gained control over secular warlords, and supporters of the warlords confirmed that their leaders were fleeing the city.

Interim PM urges talks

Ali Mohammed Ghedi, Somalia's interim prime minister, said his government wants to begin talks with the union.

Mogadishu was plunged into violence earlier this year when a group of warlords called the Anti-Terror Alliance began fighting the Islamic Courts.

The alliance has accused the Islamic Courts of having ties to al-Qaeda, a charge Ahmed's group has denied.

It's estimated that about 350 people have been killed and at least 1,700 wounded in fighting since February.

Neither a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an arms embargo nor mediation efforts inside the country have been able to calm the latest fighting.

The warlords had controlled the capital since the ouster 15 years ago of military dictator Maj.-Gen. Mohamed Siad Barre.