Eight die in clashes in Mogadishu

Hundreds of families flee the renewed fighting in Mogadishu, Somalia, March 12, 2010.

MOGADISHU, March 12, 2010,  (Xinhua) --

About eight people were killed and more than 32 others were wounded Friday in renewed fighting between Somali government forces and Al-Shabab fighters in the Somali capital Mogadishu, witnesses and medical sources said.

The fighting broke out after Islamist fighters attacked Somali government positions and African Union peacekeepers in the north of the city.
Witnessed as well as hospital sources said that eight people were killing as shells slammed in civilian homes around the battle areas.
Editor: yan

U.S. denies military intervention in Somalia

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2010 (Xinhua) --

The United States on Friday denied intervening in the military operation by the Somali transitional government on its rivals, saying it has no desire to "Americanize" the conflict in Somalia.

"We have provided limited military support to the Transitional Federal Government (TFG). We do so in the firm belief that the TFG seeks to end the violence in Somalia that is caused by al-Shabaab and other extremist organizations," said Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson.

"The United States does not plan, does not direct, and does not coordinate the military operations of the TFG, and we have not and will not be providing direct support for any potential military offensives," Carson told reporters at a special press briefing in the State Department.

"Further, we are not providing nor paying for military advisors for the TFG. There is no desire to Americanize the conflict in Somalia," he added, reiterating that the United States supports the peace process in Somalia.

According to Carson, the United States continues to call on all those who seek peace in Somalia to reject terrorism and violence, and to participate in the hard work of stabilizing the country for the benefit of the Somali people.

Carson's remarks were made as the TFG has renewed its military strike against Al-Shabab fighters in the capital Mogadishu and a senior U.S. army officer said Washington would support the transitional government to retake Mogadishu.

William Ward, who runs U.S. Africa Command, on Tuesday told a Senate hearing the Somali government's effort in retaking Mogadishu is "something that we would look to do in support."

He said the military would do this "to the degree the transitional federal government can in fact re-exert control over Mogadishu, with the help of AMISOM and others." AMISOM stands for African Union Mission in Somalia.

The internationally recognized government of Somalia is struggling to fight off an Islamist insurgency poised to run over parts of the city with protection from a few thousand African Union peacekeepers.

Clashes have intensified recently in Mogadishu, with the office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) saying last week nearly 26,000 people have been forced to escape violence in the capital since Feb. 1.

Editor: Li Xianzhi