Hundreds of Somali insurgents loyal to islamist group al-Shabaab have reached Mogadishu, witnesses say, amid expectations of a major battle.
Eyewitnesses reported that fighters, about 20 vehicles and artillery had arrived in Somalia’s capital overnight.
Residents have been fleeing for days amid a widespread belief that the rebels and government forces are on the cusp of a serious showdown.
Al-Shabaab and other rebel groups control much of southern Somalia.