Clashes between gov't forces, insurgents kill ten in Mogadishu

Almost ten people were killed and dozens of others were severely wounded after intense fighting erupted on Wednesday in Mogadishu between Somali government forces backed by African Union (AU) peacekeepers and Islamist rebel fighters, witnesses and medical sources said.

The fighting broke out following a concerted attack by rebel forces on government positions in the north of Mogadishu led to counter attack by government troops backed by heavy artillery fire from AU peacekeepers. "Seven people from three different families died when shells landed on their homes while several other people were wounded in the explosions," resident Fadumo Dahir told Xinhua.

Local ambulance service said that more than twenty wounded people were ferried to hospitals in Mogadishu, adding that ambulance staff spotted three dead bodies in neighborhoods where the battle raged.

The fighting between Somali government forces and Islamist fighters centered around Karaan and Abdelaziz districts in the north of Mogadishu. Both sides claimed success in the clashes.

Al Shabaab spokesman said his forces took over government positions while government spokesman said the fighting was still raging in "the original frontlines".

The fighting comes as speculation of a major government offensive to retake the capital from rebels who control more than half of the restive coastal city.

Somali government controls only parts of the capital Mogadishu while Islamist groups rein over large swathes of territory in the south and centre of war-ravaged horn of the African nation.

The US pledged to support Somali government plans to wrestle control of Mogadishu from Islamists who are poised to oust the weak but internationally recognized government of Somalia.

Source: Xinhua