Ethiopian forces supporting Somalia's government withdrew completely from Mogadishu today, leaving a power vacuum in the capital expected to lead to more violence.
At least 21 people were killed yesterday as Islamist insurgents shelled the presidential palace and ambushed the departing Ethiopians.
The rebels have fought the UN-backed government for two years, and are also increasingly fighting each other.
"I confirm that there are no Ethiopian soldiers in the capital. They emptied all their bases and moved overnight onto the southern road to Baidoa," Abdifatah Ibrahim Shaaweye, deputy governor of Banadir region said.
Some analysts fear the withdrawal of an estimated 3,000 Ethiopian troops will cause more bloodshed in Somalia.
But others believe it could be positive development for the Horn of Africa nation - which the United States has long feared could become a haven for militants - spurring more moderate Islamist factions to join a new, more inclusive administration.
Reuters
