15 dead in fresh clashes in Somalia

At least 15 civilians died and 25 others were wounded in a heavy fighting in the Somali capital Mogadishu overnight, officials said on Saturday.

At least 15 civilians died and 25 others were wounded in a heavy fighting in the Somali capital Mogadishu overnight, officials said Saturday.

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The clashes are between Islamist insurgents Al-Shabaab, and the weak Western-backed government, backed by African Union peacekeepers.

Fighting this week has already claimed dozens of lives.

"We have so far collected 25 wounded people since last night," Ali Muse Sheikh, head of Mogadishu ambulances told German Press Agency Saturday.

"Our staff have reported that 15 corpses have been seen in different parts mostly around Bakara area with shrapnel wounds."

Government troops accompanied by Africa Union Soldiers were still battling Saturday with the armed Islamists at the strategic road that links the presidential palace and Mogadishus main airport.

The terrorist elements have consecutively attacked our positions at Maka Almukarama road but we repelled them back" Colonel Ahmed Saleeban Abdi, a government security officer, told DPA by phone Saturday.

"We should soon clear out these elements from Mogadishu," he added.