Somalia, October 11: At least 9 people have been killed in heavy fighting between Somalia’s government troops and al-Shabab fighters in the capital Mogadishu.
Fifteen others were wounded in the violence. The clashes erupted after government forces, backed by African Union (AU) peacekeepers, attacked the strongholds of al-Shabab and Hizbul Islam fighters.
Local sources say gunfire could be heard throughout the city’s northern and southern districts beginning in the early morning hours.
Somalia has been without an effective government for almost two decades. Attempts to set up a central government have all failed so far.
The AU has about 7,200 soldiers in Somalia, and Burundi is prepared to send 1,000 while Guinea is likely to commit 2,000 troops.
—-Agencies