*Additions: Death toll reaches 25 people and 75 wounded, mostly civilians
Somali President flies safely to Uganda

MOGADISHU, Somalia Oct 22 (Garowe Online) - At least 25 people were killed on Thursday in the Somali capital Mogadishu after insurgents attacked government forces and their African Union (AMISOM) backers, Radio Garowe reports.

Witnesses said the fighting erupted along Maka Al Mukarrrama Road that connects the Villa Somalia presidential compound and Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport.

Somali insurgents attacked the road with emerging reports saying President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed's convoy was driving towards the airport. The Somali President flew safely from the Mogadishu airport on his way to Kampala, Uganda, according to government sources.

AMISOM peacekeepers shelled parts of Mogadishu, including businesses and residential areas in Hodan and Howlwadaag districts. Most of the dead were civilians killed in the crossfire, including explosions at Bakara Market.

Upwards of 75 people were wounded during the fierce shelling and armed clashes between insurgents and allied Somali-AMISOM troops, accoring to medical sources.

Witnesses said 80 shells hit parts of Bakara Market and its surroundings, with residents saying that it was the "worst shelling" seen in Mogadishu in recent weeks.

Mogadishu has been the scene of intense violence between government forces and insurgents who have vowed to overthrow the UN-recognized interim government.

Source: Garowe Online