Witnesses, medical staff say 13 killed, 25 wounded in overnight clashes in Somalia’s capital

13 civilians killed in clashes in Somali capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Eyewitnesses and medical workers say at least 13 people were killed in overnight fighting in Somalia’s capital.

Ambulance service chief Ali Muse says he saw five dead in south Mogadishu after fighting erupted early Saturday. He says ambulances have taken 25 wounded people to hospitals around Mogadishu. Two other eyewitnesses say they saw eight dead, including women and children.

The latest round of fighting began Friday and follows a lull of about two weeks. Military officials said Friday’s clashes started when insurgents attacked government soldiers.

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 18 years.