Ethiopian, Somali Troops Enter Jowhar

An Islamic Courts soldier patrols Mogadishu airport after the Ethiopian air force hit Mogadishu airport, Monday, Dec. 25, 2006. Ethiopian fighter jets bombed two main airports in Somalia on Monday, including Mogadishu International Airport in the middle of Somalia's capital, in the first direct attack on the headquarters of an Islamic movement attempting to wrest power from the internationally recognized government. (AP Photo/Mohamed Sheikh Nor) (Mohamed Sheikh Nor - AP)

MOGADISHU, Somalia -- Ethiopian and Somali government troops on Wednesday entered the strategic city of Jowhar, the last major town on the northern road to the capital, routing Islamic militiamen and forcing them to retreat, residents said.

A former warlord, who ruled Jowhar before it was captured by the Council of Islamic Courts in June, led the Somali government troops as they drove into the city, a resident said.

"Ethiopian troops and Mohammed Dhere have entered the city," said Abshir Ali Gabre.