40 civilians killed in Somalia fighting

MOGADISHU - At least 40 civilians were killed and 106 injured in fighting between insurgents and government troops in the Somali capital of Mogadishu since Monday, media reports said Tuesday.

“The toll increased to 40 civilians and 106 others injured since Monday,” Xinhua said, citing an Al Jazeera TV report.

“The fierce conflict between Somali rebels and government forces continues until now,” the report said.

The fighting broke out Monday afternoon and continued overnight after fighters from the Al Qaeda-linked Shebab group launched an offensive against army barracks in several districts of the capital.