Mogadishu — Unprecedented operations for securing the steadiness of the capital were continued by the Islamic Courts Union forces in Mogadishu.

The Islamist fighters were searching small cars, buses, and trucks coming to the capital from southern provinces for weapons and explosives.

Islamists said they should be careful as heavy fighting between them and the Ethiopian backed forces was taking place around Baidoa, southern Somalia. The search operation was on until this morning.

The passenger Toyota cars transporting passengers from Mogadishu to Baidoa have entirely halted traveling today.

The fighting has intensified around Idaale under the government soldiers. Islamic Courts said they gained grounds from the government, and insisted they were fighting with Ethiopian troops in and around Baidoa town, 245 km south of the capital Mogadishu.