16 die in fighting with insurgents in Somalia

A Somali official and witnesses say insurgents have attacked government soldiers and African Union peacekeeping forces in southern Mogadishu in fighting that killed 16 people.

A Somali official and witnesses say insurgents have attacked government soldiers and African Union peacekeeping forces in southern Mogadishu in fighting that killed 16 people.

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Wednesday night's attack was unusual because most recent fighting in the capital has occurred in northern Mogadishu. Somali army spokesman Farhan Asanyo said on Thursday that three government soldiers were among the dead.

Witnesses said 13 other people died, including a 5-year-old boy and his mother, and at least three insurgents.

Asanyo says hundreds of heavily armed Islamist fighters attacked government bases and the peacekeepers. Witnesses said residential neighborhoods were pounded with mortars and shells for 10 hours.