Islamic Militants Attack Troops in Southern Mogadishu

January 17, 2008

Author: MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN

Source: Detroit Free Press

Wire Service: AP

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080117/NEWS07/80117050#article_comments

Islamic militants fired mortar shells and guns in the Somali capital today, sparking crossfire with Ethiopian troops and their Somali government allies that killed at least 20 people, witnesses said.

Mogadishu residents said the Ethiopian and Somali forces came under attack by Islamic insurgents in the south of the city, sparking mortar and artillery battles that killed six civilians and wounded ten. Four Ethiopian and two Somali soldiers were among the dead, witnesses said.

A radical Islamic group that was driven from power a year ago by a Western-supported offensive is making a significant comeback in Somalia and the government can do little to stop it, government officials say.