By MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN
The Associated Press
Wednesday, December 27, 2006; 2:46 AM

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.