MOGADISHU (AFP) — At least 10 civilians died and several others were wounded in clashes between Somali government troops and suspected Islamist rebels in the capital Mogadishu on Monday, witnesses said.
The suspected rebels fired mortars at the presidential palace triggering a riposte by government troops who hit areas near the Bakara and Holwadag markets in the south of the city.
"Several mortar shells fired from the Somali government positions struck Bakara market and eight civilians died in one place while nine others were wounded," salesman Bashir Muktar told AFP.
"The scene was horrific and everyone ran from the market after eight people died after a mortar hit near a crowded area," added another witness, Ahmed Abdullahi.
Two other civilians also died when a mortar exploded near them at Holwadag.
"They were trying to take shelter in a concrete building when a mortar tore them into pieces in front of my house," said a resident, Fadumo Moalim Ilkase.
Other witnesses confirmed the toll.
Somalia has been in the grip of a civil war since 1991, with no central government strong enough to impose its authority.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
