Mogadishu hit by fresh fighting

Some residents have demonstrated against Ethiopian forces

Fighting between Ethiopian and Somali government troops and Islamist forces has continued in the Somali capital Mogadishu for a second day.
Gunfire echoed across the city causing some residents to seek safety in their homes while others fled the battle-damaged city.

The clashes came a day after 10 people were reported killed in gun battles.

Somalia has seen a surge in violence since Ethiopian-backed government troops ousted Islamists last December.

"They have started firing again and I have no way to move my family," Sahra Osman, a widow with five children, was quoted by Reuters.

The tznews editor says the latest clashes began after Ethiopia moved reinforcements and a convoy of 20 tanks and armoured cars into the city late on Friday.

One of the vehicles was hit by a landmine and exploded.

On Saturday, Ethiopian troops moved out of their barracks and started fanning out across the city.

Government units control the east of the city, but the Council of Islamic Court, which was ousted in December's fighting, continues to hold some western parts of the city, from where it launches guerrilla attacks.

The latest fighting has forced schools and business to close.

Some residents took to the streets in demonstrations against the fighting.

Mohamed Dore of the BBC's Somali Service said: "They are throwing stones. They are burning things in the street. They are blocking the roads. They are stopping the movement of cars.



"Are people angry at the Ethiopian forces? Are they angry at the rebels? Who are they angry with?"

Our correspondent says some Mogadishu residents are angry with Ethiopian forces because they have been using artillery in the fighting, which has caused civilian casualties.

Some 1,600 Ugandan troops are also in Mogadishu as part of a planned 8,000-strong African Union force to support the interim government.

Somalia has been without an effective government since civil war began in 1991.

The UN says some 400,000 people have fled the violence in Mogadishu in the past four months.