KISMAYO, Somalia Nov 24 (Garowe Online) - At least 50 inmates detained by authorities in southern Somalia overpowered prison guards and assumed control of a jail Saturday, another worrying signal that the country's transitional federal government lacks authority nationwide.

Abdullahi Garhaye, commander of the Kismayo jail, confirmed to Garowe Online that the prisoners took control of the jail, adding that they are "surrounded” by armed guards.

He said the angry inmates were using rocks and wood pieces to attack the prison guards, who normally keep the situation under control.

The prisoners involved in today's uprising are 34 inmates, arrested for illegal militia activity along the main road leading to Kismayo, and another 12 inmates caught for setting up militia roadblocks inside Kismayo, according to Mr. Garhaye.

Kismayo is a port city located approximately 500km south of the capital, Mogadishu. The city has been under the control of a pro-government clan militia since April, when Somali soldiers divided along clan lines and waged war on each other.

Source: Garowe Online