MOGADISHU: At least 29 Somali civilians were killed in fighting between insurgents and government troops backed by African Union forces in Mogadishu, medics said Tuesday.

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

"The death toll increased from 11 to 29 civilians since yesterday. Our medical teams have also collected 98 injured from a number of neighbourhoods," Ali Muse, head of Mogadishu ambulance services, told AFP.

BDST: 1218 HRS, August 24, 2010