Somali port taken by Islamists

The Islamic Courts (UIC) movement has taken control of the Somali port of Kismayo without violence.

The town was the last remaining port in southern Somalia to have avoided militant rule.

As the Islamists approached the town, the minister for defence Barre Hiraale and large numbers of his militia reportedly withdrew, leaving the way open for a bloodless surrender.

UIC leader Sheikh Sharif Ahmed told the BBC in Somalia that he had men inside Kismayo and the surrounding areas.

Reports state that thousands of inhabitants have fled the city in the past week, while others have remained behind and are celebrating in the streets.

Local journalist Nasteh Dahir told the corporation that the invading force now occupied the airport, the city's port and the building belonging to Mr Hiraale.

This episode is the latest indication of the strength of the UIC forces, following its capture of the country's capital Mogadishu, in June.