Wed, 25 Feb 2009 | PressTV
 Some 40 people, mostly civilians, died in the chaotic capital |
Heavy fighting between rebels and government troops in the Somali capital has entered its second day as the civilian death toll reaches 40.
The clashes began on Tuesday after a coalition of Somali rebels launched simultaneous attacks against government bases in Hodon and the African Union peacekeeping base at KM-4 -- south of Mogadishu.
Both sides continued to exchange heavy fire on Wednesday, killing at least 40 people, mostly civilians, and wounding more than 165 others, Press TV has learned.
Both sides continued to exchange heavy fire on Wednesday, killing at least 40 people, mostly civilians, and wounding more than 165 others, Press TV has learned.
Meanwhile, witnesses say that hundreds of civilians have abandoned their homes, evacuating the conflict zone.
The latest attacks are the most deadly clashes since the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from the conflict-torn country.
President Sheikh Shariif Sheikh Ahmed, who arrived in Somalia from neighboring Djibouti on Monday, has been urging the rebels to end the conflict 'with talks and not with guns'.
The leader was elected on January 31, amid efforts for a fully functioning unity government in the African nation, plagued by lawlessness since warlords overthrew dictator Siad Barre in 1991.
The latest attacks are the most deadly clashes since the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from the conflict-torn country.
President Sheikh Shariif Sheikh Ahmed, who arrived in Somalia from neighboring Djibouti on Monday, has been urging the rebels to end the conflict 'with talks and not with guns'.
The leader was elected on January 31, amid efforts for a fully functioning unity government in the African nation, plagued by lawlessness since warlords overthrew dictator Siad Barre in 1991.
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