At least 11 people have been killed and 20 others wounded Wednesday in an artillery battle by Somali government backed by African Union forces and insurgents in Mogadishu, according to witnesses, Radio Garowe reports.

Witnesses told Garowe Online that mortars hit the main Bakara Market, which was over crowded by civilians, injured dozens who were mostly traders all wounded people were taken Madina Hospital. 

"Two Mortars erupted the main busy Bakara Market, killed 11 people mostly women and injured dozen others, the incident was worst ever happen in this market," said a witness who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Somali ambulance workers stated that they had collected 20 injured people, claimed that today's fighting was most horrible that happened in recent weeks of violence.

Somali government, AMISOM and insurgent officials did not immediately release any comment on the battle.

Insurgents of the two main Islamist groups, al-Shabaab and Hisbul Islam, control most of southern and central parts of Somalia following a three-year battle to overthrow the AU-backed Sharif government in Mogadishu.

The 18th meeting of the International Contact Group (ICG) in Spain reaffirmed its commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

African Union forces have been accused of deliberate shelling of civilians in the Somali capital Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE