Six die in continued clashes in Mogadishu

Fighting in Mogadishu killed six more people today, including four orphans, a day after Islamist rebels firing grenades briefly seized a major police base in the heart of Somalia's capital.

At least 25 people have died in two days of fierce battles between the insurgents and allied Somali-Ethiopian troops that raised even more doubt over prospects for rare peace talks.

Residents said the insurgents attacked government forces in the city's Harayale district as dusk fell, triggering exchanges of heavy machine-gun fire and artillery barrages.

Today’s clashes broke out after the rebels seized control of a police compound late on Thursday in heavily guarded streets near the city's air and sea ports. They looted weapons and burnt vehicles before retreating as reinforcements arrived. –Reuters