News

13 killed in shootout between police, militants

December 21, 2009 Edition 1

MOGADISHU: Islamic militants fired mortars into the police compound here as the force was celebrating its 66th anniversary yesterday, sparking a battle that killed at least 12 civilians and a police officer.

Three other police officers were wounded in the fighting, which began after the mortar landed near the compound during the ceremony, police official Aden Ahmed said.

Government soldiers and African Union forces returned fire, shelling Mogadishu's rebel-controlled district.

Somalia has been ravaged by violence since warlords overthrew dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, then turned on each other. A moderate Islamist was elected president in January amid hopes he could unite the country's feuding factions, but the violence has continued. - Sapa-AP

• News
• South Africa
• Africa
• World
• Opinion
• Lifestyle
• Entertainment
• Sport