Somalia: 12 killed in continue clashes in Mogadishu 22 Feb 22, 2011 - 11:32:52 AM
At least 12 people have been killed in latest wave of violence that rocked different parts of Mogadishu, witnesses and medics said.
In the restive capital of Mogadishu, fierce shelling and gun battles erupted on Monday and continued into Tuesday in the northern neighborhoods of Hodan, Hawlwadag and Bondhere.
Witnesses said the fighting accompanied by incessant shelling were in response to attacks by Al-Shabaab fighters on military bases housing pro-government forces.
“Seven civilians were killed when mortar shells smashed parts of Bakara market. Bitter shelling also that rocked other parts of the city,” said eyewitness.
Medics confirmed the death of at least 12 civilians include two AMISOM soldiers and injuries of more than 25 civilians who were caught on the cross fire.
“Our rescue workers collected over 10 bodies and 25 injured civilians since Monday’s fighting from different parts of Mogadishu,” said officials.
The war-ravaged seaside city has been the scene of bloody insurgency that erupted in early 2007 and has so far killed more than 21,000 people.
Al-Shabab and other armed opposition groups, which control most of the southern and central parts of the chaotic country, is waging deadly insurgency against Somalia's UN-backed government and its AU troops backer.
