Official: 9 civilians killed after bout of shelling between insurgents, govt in Somali capital

9 civilians killed in shelling in Somali capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A medical official says at least nine people have been killed in shelling in rebel-controlled areas of Somalia’s capital.

Mogadishu ambulance service chief Ali Muse says 40 wounded people were also taken to hospitals after shelling rocked the capital Sunday. He says the dead were all civilians.

Witnesses say the shelling followed a brief clash between government forces and insurgents and targeted strategic areas including the city’s main Bakara market.

Islamic insurgents control much of Mogadishu and have been trying to topple the fragile government for three years.

Somalia has not had an effective government for nearly 20 years.