In pictures: Somalia battle rages

Fighting between Ethiopian-backed forces and insurgents is continuing in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, as aid agencies struggle to help those fleeing the battles.

Mortar shells are raining down in the city for the eighth consecutive day despite a plea for a ceasefire by UN chief Ban Ki-moon.

Gunmen from the Hawiye clan and elements of the country's Islamist militias want the Ethiopians, who back the transitional government, to leave.

Many civilians are caught up in the violence and more than 250 people have died in the past week.

Eyewitnesses say rotting bodies have been left on the streets for days and hospital are struggling to cope.

An estimated 320,000 people have left the city recently. The government is accused of preventing aid reaching those fleeing with administrative obstacles.

Those few who have stayed are either fighting, injured or protecting what is left of their homes or possessions, air workers say.

But those who do flee face risks outside the city - this truck carrying civilians crashed after coming under fire.

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