Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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August 21, 2009

Intense Fighting in Somali Capital Kills 22
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=262487A:A6F02AD83191E1604980D445415A58E1C030207A0BD70133&
 
40 also reported wounded after Islamist insurgents attacked government
troops, African Union peacekeepers, prompting intense clashes 
Islamist insurgents in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, launched an attack
on government troops and African Union peacekeepers before dawn Friday,
prompting intense clashes that killed at least 22 people. Frightened
residents took cover as the battle raged around them, with mortars
slamming into homes and heavy gunfire being exchanged. Dead bodies lay
near a street in southern Mogadishu's K4 junction, 21 Aug 2009Witnesses
and local officials say most of the dead are civilians. At least 40
people are reported wounded. The government and allied militias are
engaged in fierce fighting with Islamist militant groups, led by
al-Shabab, to recapture large parts of the country. Witnesses in the
town of Beledweyne claim Ethiopian troops entered the strategic town
Friday. Ethiopian officials could not be reached for comment on the
claims. On Thursday, a spokesman for the Ethiopian government, Bereket
Simon, denied claims that Ethiopian troops are actively engaged in
Somalia's civil war. But he confirmed that pro-government Somali militia
are being allowed to use Ethiopian territory to launch attacks against
rebels in Somalia. On Thursday, fighting in central Somalia between
pro-government forces and Islamic militants killed at least 33 people.
The fighting erupted in the town of Bula Burte, which had been under the
control of al-Shabab. Fighting in Bula Burte slowed on Friday. It is not
clear which side now controls the town. Government troops recaptured
control of two other towns earlier this week.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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