20100827
africanews

At least 68 people have lost their lives in a fierce fighting between government forces and Al-Shabab fighters with both sides claiming advances.

Nine people including five Somali military officers were killed on Thursday when a bomb placed near a military vehicle in Mogadishu's southern district of Waberi went off.

A similar attack happened in the Hamar Weyne district near the presidential palace killed four people including two civilians. Eight others were wounded in the bomb targeted at a Somali government vehicle.

Al-Shabaab claimed to have killed 11 Somali soldiers after they seized control of a military base in Boondhere district in Mogadishu.

Five fighters were killed in the attack on Thursday evening. Residents said three civilians were dead in the area as they tried to escape the battle.

On Thursday, Somali military officers show the journalists five Hizbul Islam fighters which died during a gun battle in the Hodon district. Officials added that nine Hizbul Islam members were wounded in the clash.

More than six other civilians were killed in street clashes and artillery exchanges in Hodan district.

Somali's ministry of information said on Thursday that government soldiers killed 25 Al-Qaeda linked group of Al-Shabaab during four days of fighting. 70 more rebels have been injured.

On Friday, Abdirahman Omar Osman, Somali’s information minister warned that Islamist rebels may intensify attacks against civilians and government forces to mark the 17th day of Ramadan.

The 17th day of Ramadan is Saturday which is a historical day in 624 A.D. denoting the Battle of Badr when the Prophet Muhammed won a key battle, said Omar.

"Al-Shabaab thinks that this is the best day for them to win against us. We are here. We are committed. We are determined to win against Shabaab," he added.

"The best weapon we have against attack is public alertness. Stay in your homes as much as you can. Keep your children safe. We recognize the importance of Ramadan to our people. Let us not allow Al Shabab to ruin it."