Somali troops battle militiamen

War-ravaged Mogadishu is plagued by clan rivalry

Somali Government forces have failed to subdue militiamen who refuse to recognise government authority in the south of the capital, Mogadishu.

Correspondents say at least 20 people have been killed and more than 70 wounded in fierce artillery exchanges that have gone on for several days.

The clashes began on Sunday after fighters loyal to the militia leaders Hussein Aidid and Osman Ali Atto ambushed an aid convoy at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

There were reports of a lull in the fighting as darkness fell on Sunday, but clashes resumed hours later after attempts at mediation collapsed.

More than 60 people have died in a series of clashes in the city since late last week.

Correspondents say the latest fighting, is the most serious challenge the interim government has faced since it was established last year.

Throughout Sunday gun battles persisted after an aid convoy, carrying food aid from Saudi Arabia, was attacked on the road leading to Mogadishu from the town of Afgoye.

Clashes

The Somali capital has been hit by a series of violent confrontations in recent days involving the various armed factions.

In a clash on Saturday, fighters loyal to the warlord Musa Sudi Yalahow battled gunmen loyal to the interim government in the Sana area of the city.

A market in the district suffered heavy damage and stray rounds also hit a Koranic school, homes and restaurants, the witnesses said.

The Somali president is struggling to impose his authority

Five of about 20 estimated deaths occurred when an anti-tank round hit a bar in the city's Bakara market, Reuters news agency reported.

Hundreds of people fled the city as the fighting raged.

Saturday's clashes followed the deployment of government troops in the area on Friday.

A number of warlords are opposed to the interim government, which was set up last year at a conference in Djibouti.

In an effort to maintain order, President Abdulkassim Salat Hassan's fledgling government set up a 2,000-strong police force in June - the first since former President Mohamed Siad Barre was toppled in 1991.

But parts of Mogadishu remain in the hands of warlords opposed to the government.