Somalis protest against Ethiopia

Islamist militias have taken control of large parts of Somalia

Thousands of young Muslim men have demonstrated in the Somali capital in support of a call for a holy war, known as a jihad, against Ethiopia.

The young men were urged to register their names for a jihad.

Demonstrations following Friday prayers were also held in other parts of the south under the control of the Union of Islamic Courts.

Islamic militias have moved towards Baidoa, where the interim government, backed by Ethiopia, is based.

Ethiopian troops are reported to be stationed in Baidoa in support of the government, although Ethiopia says they are there in a training capacity only.

Some fear a regional conflict starting in Somalia, with Ethiopia backing the government and Eritrea and foreign Islamists backing the Union of Islamic Courts.

Somalia has been in the grip of warlords and militias for years and has not had a functioning national government since 1991.