Somalia

Fourteen people killed in Mogadishu as fighting continues

Article published on the 2009-05-22 Latest update 2009-05-22 12:38 TU

An Islamist fighter guarding a checkpoint in southern Mogadishu on 20 May
(Photo: Reuters)

At least 14 people were killed in violence in Mogadishu on Friday. Government forces and Islamist militants clashed in the south of the capital city. Fifty-three people were taken to hospital for treatment. Heavy shelling is reported in the capital, Mogadishu.

Government troops attacked Islamist rebels who control southern Mogadishu, after recent fighting over the last ten days which has killed more than 100 people, and given the insurgents control of the area.

A military spokesperson says that troops will continue their offensive until they manage to retake the capital, although some witnesses have already reported their retreat.

The fatalities occurred during a mortar attack on a bus, which killed eight passengers, while another six people, including a local journalist, were killed in other clashes.

Medina hospital in Mogadishu reported on the arrival of 53 wounded.

The Shebab and Hezb al-Islamiya groups are the main militants looking to overthrow Somalia’s transitional government. Their offensive began on 7 May and they claim to have received support from a number of foreign fighters.