Officials: At least 20 Somali civilians die in 3 days of fighting in capital

At least 20 Somalis die in violence in capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Officials say at least 20 civilians have been killed in three days of sporadic fighting in Somalia’s capital.

Ali Yasin Gedi of Elman Peace and Human Rights Center said 12 people died during the violence near the presidential palace overnight.

The fighting took place between government forces backed by African Union peacekeepers and Islamic insurgents.

Gedi also said eight civilians — including five from the same family — died during fighting on Friday and Saturday.

Ali Muse, the head of Mogadishu’s ambulance service, said 29 civilians were also taken to hospitals including a boy whose head was hit by shrapnel.