16 killed in Mogadishu clashes

MOGADISHU: At least 16 people were killed in fighting between rival factions in Mogadishu as chaos engulfed the Somali capital and spurred the war-torn country’s neighbours into action, officials said Tuesday.

Most of the latest victims were combatants killed in several incidents on Monday, as Islamist insurgents continued to close in on the shriveling perimeter controlled by the government but also fought among themselves.
“Violent elements attacked government forces in northern Mogadishu, sparking heavy fighting. They were defeated and several of their fighters were killed,” government security officer Mohamed Abdirahman told foreign news agency.
“Two of our soldiers were also killed as well as three civilians who were caught in the crossfire,” he added.

Source: Agencies