Mogadishu, Somalia ? Islamic and secular militias battled Thursday in Somalia’s capital in some of the most widespread and deadliest fighting in Mogadishu in 14 years. Dozens of people were killed and thousands fled their homes on foot.

The fighting spread from northern Mogadishu, scene of fierce battles in recent weeks, into the southern and eastern parts of the city, where the Islamic Courts Union militia made a rare foray, witnesses said.

Islamic militiamen captured a strategic road junction, known as K4, and seized the historic Sahafi Hotel, owned by a member of the rival anti-terrorism Alliance for the Restoration of Peace and Counterterrorism.

The fight for control of Mogadishu comes despite a May 14 cease-fire. The alliance claims the self-appointed Islamic court leaders, who have their own militias, have links to al-Qaida, while the Islamic militants accuse the alliance of working for the CIA. U.S. officials refuse to confirm any association with the secular militia.