Mogadishu fighting continues, at least 8 killed

Fighting continues in Somalia's capital of Mogadishu. Anti-government forces opened fire again on Friday night. At least 8 people were killed and over 30 injured.

Witnesses say government forces backed by African Union troops launched a barrage of artillery fire to repel the fighters. Meanwhile, Somalia's government has suggested residents in conflict areas retreat. The country has lacked an effective central government for 19 years. The President's administration controls little more than a few streets in the capital.

The UN refugee agency says an estimated 100-thousand Somali civilians have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the year.