MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) – A Somali human rights organization says 53 people were killed in the most recent fighting between government troops and Islamic insurgents in the capital.
Ali Sheik Yasi said Saturday that 181 people were also wounded during Friday’s offensive by the government in Mogadishu.
Yasi is the deputy chairman of Elman Human Rights Organization, which collates casualty figures based on interviews with health officials, morgues and witnesses.
The latest violence in Somalia began two weeks ago when the insurgents captured several strategic locations in Mogadishu.
On Friday the government launched a counterattack. Both sides used artillery and missiles in residential areas.
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