MOGADISHU, Somalia, April 27 (UPI) -- The Somali capital of Mogadishu was calm Friday as government forces claimed victory after more than a week of fighting insurgents.
"The government and Ethiopian troops are in control of all places where the fighting was going on," Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohammed Gedi said as he claimed victory at a Thursday news conference, the Shabelle Media Network reported.
Ethiopian and Somali troops had battled Islamic insurgents and local clans opposed to the transitional government for eight days in Mogadishu.
Some, including U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said they feared that the transitional government would not be able to maintain stability in the volatile country.
Shabelle reported that there was looting going on Friday and that insurgents were rumored to be hiding weapons for future fighting.
