By Mohamed Abdi Farah

Kismayo, Somalia, 9 Feb 2008 - The militiamen controlling Kismayu city, southern Somalia were put on high alert on Saturday after receiving reports over possible invasion from the supporters of the ousted Islamic Courts, sources say.

Large number of militia forces could be seen today on the main streets of Kismayu to face any outside attack.

Colonel Warfa sheik Aden, the militia commander in Kismayu said the vigilance by the troops came after they had received concrete information saying that the Islamic fighters are heading to the city.

"We have to be prepared to defend our city from the offensive that might be launched by the Islamic insurgents. Kismayu will not be fallen into enemy hand," said Sheik Aden.

The militia in Kismayu supports the current transitional federal government. People in the city are now worrying about the military movement by the clan militia that might cause war in the region.

Kismayu, which is 500km south of the Somalia capital Mogadishu, is a strategic port city in the country.

Source: SomaliNet