In pictures: Mogadishu 'victory'

Islamic militia say they have taken control of Somalia's lawless capital Mogadishu after months of fierce fighting.

Many of the secular warlords, who have controlled the city since toppling the government in 1991, are said to have fled.

The Union of Islamic Courts called it a "new era" for the capital and urged residents to accept the new leadership.

This year's fighting in Mogadishu has been the most serious in a decade. More than 300 have died in the last few months.

Clashes began earlier this year when the warlords united to tackle the Islamic Courts, whom they accuse of sheltering al-Qaeda militants.

The Islamic Courts deny this and say their main aim is to restore a system of Sharia law to the city. They accuse the US of backing the warlords.

The Islamists have had support from some residents who believe they will bring law and order back to the capital.

But others fear there are elements within the militia group who are pushing to turn Somalia into an Islamic state.

The new transitional government, which took power in 2004, has indicated it now wants talks with the Islamists.

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